Garo Dark Hollow
ESKK: Well here we are Chapter 4 I hope you all enjoy it so let's get this started.
(Start Hogwarts Headmasters Office)
Dumbledore peered over his fingers at Severus Snape and he was frowning. Snape was informing him of Voldemort's response of the failed raid how the Death Eaters there were raging about a girl who became a monster. A former students in fact, judging by her uniform who had been abducted by the Death Eaters prior. Regardless it did come with good news since despite the incident being interrupted so to bait Harry to the open it still drew him out regardless.
"It would seem that wherever Potter had been hiding had been in the Muggle World." Snape sneered as he looked to the Headmaster. "And by the looks of it had acquired a new power to scare Death Eaters with illusions." Snape said not at all buying the concept of monsters hiding in human skin. The way they had described it was clearly a sign of madness and the Dark Lord even after Legitmancy did not buy it assuming it was some sort of illusion.
In the recent times things have not been going well for the Ministry. Ever since Sirius took his seat and later married Amelia Bones Dumbledore had been ignored in his attempt to give these poor lost souls mercy. A month into Sirius Black name being cleared and claiming his seat his sources with the Ministry had reveal to him that all in all forty three ministerial employees, from Aurors to Maintenance Staff, had been arrested for being Death Eaters during the internal purge led by Amelia Bones. In that purge twenty two of those employees were being held for assisting the Death Eaters and nineteen others were still being held for questioning purposes. These arrests had, in turn, led to the arrests of another sixty seven people, including family members and friends of those already arrested.
Dumbledore shook his head sadly. If Amelia were to have her way, all of those people would be incarcerated inside Azkaban by the end of the month. But alas to Dumbledore's mind they could all be redeemed and he knew they wanted to be redeemed. All that was needed was to remove Voldemort from power and all these people would be free from his influence. Then they could all go back to their calm, everyday lives and live in peace. It was only out of fear that they had joined Voldemort, he was almost certain of it.
In a way he was right; many of those who joined Voldemort only did so after being threatened, but many more did so out of some kind of perceived superiority of pure-blooded wizards over Muggles and Muggleborns. The best way to counter such attitudes, as any halfway intelligent muggle will tell you, is education, and that's where Dumbledore fell short.
Were he in any way committed to uniting the Wizarding World, he would have made Muggle Studies a mandatory course for the Purebloods so that they could see that they were not all that different from each other, and he would have insured that the course was taught by someone who knew what they were talking about and that the information available was up to date. He also would have set up a mandatory class for muggle born and muggle raised students, teaching them about pure-blood customs and helping themselves to integrate better into the wizarding society that they were, for all intents and purposes, simply shoved into at the deep end and expected to swim.
Most sank, and as the head of what was supposed to be one of the leading magical schools in the world, that was Dumbledore's fault. Sure one could argue that the school governors might not have liked it, but Dumbledore had been a teacher long enough to have taught many of them, so whose fault was that? Also most of them would not really have cared either way; as purebloods they cared more for the title than the job and would have let Dumbledore do what he wanted (as he usually did) unless Lucius Malfoy bullied them around to his way of thinking and, as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Dumbledore had the responsibility, and the power, to make sure that Malfoy could not do that.
Of course, seeing as none of this fitted into Dumbledore's personal delusions of himself, he completely failed to see it, and thus the cycle continued. "Does Voldemort at all suspect Harry was the one involved as well?" Dumbledore asked as he looked to Snape.
"Hardly but that will only last for so long." Snape said as he knew the Potter brat was as subtle as a Dragon in a tea shop. "The boy could be due for a lesson in humility." Snape added as far as he saw Potter was still intent on his little tantrum that was going on for well beyond 2 years already.
"As long as Voldemort does not know he has returned we still have time to act." Dumbledore said as that was all he cared about getting Harry back under his control so he may fulfill his destiny at long last. "Now that young Harry has been found I have faith in Remus and Tonks that they will bring him home. But every minute Young Harry is away from us is a minute more than I am comfortable with." Dumbledore said causing Snape to sneer over this.
"I have no faith in Lupin, the man has no spine," Snape observed as he knew how Remus was just one bad decision from becoming another Pettigrew. Though Snape did take a sick comfort that after Sirius and Remus had their falling out his childhood bullies, the Marauders, were finally no more.
"Be that as it may..." Dumbledore began before being interrupted by an owl landing on his desk. When the old headmaster noted the parcel it carried Dumbledore relieved it of its package before it then flew away. Dumbledore looked at the note and let out a breath through his nose. "Remus failed." Dumbledore said as he saw the note was from one of his contacts within the Ministry which detailed Remus had been arrested for attempted kidnapping.
Dumbledore waved his wand and summoned his pensive placing it on the desk. He poured Remus's memory, that his contact had managed to make, into the bowl, and thus the two dived in. A few minutes later, they surfaced, and Snape almost had a smirk on his face. "I've wanted to do that to Lupin for many years, and I'm almost jealous Potter beat me to it." Snape said as he took a bit of pleasure seeing Potter do that to Remus and then held him at sword point right after.
Dumbledore glared at Snape as he put the pensive away. "I don't find that funny Severus. I am genuinely concerned about this independent streak Young Harry has developed. I fear that Miss Granger has become quiet a bad influences on him, and I do not know how to mitigate her influence, assuming she is in fact the cause." Dumbledore said as he found it troubling how that memory went down. Yes Harry once wielded a sword but he never expected Harry to learn to use one so expertly. Remus had barely had time to act when Harry drew the Garoken on the weary Werewolf. But with Tonk's actions Dumbledore feared that she may be spilling what she knew about the Order to Amelia making her a security risk now.
"We could simply eliminate her…" Snape suggested with a vicious sneer.
"…That is an unacceptable option, for the moment. Killing Ms. Granger would alienate Young Harry further, we a simple way to control him." Dumbledore said as he had hoped Hermione would have talked Harry to returning to the Wizarding World 2 years ago when they had crossed path. Apparently the fact Snape and young Draco were part of the raid group attacking her home did not help that.
"We could potion the boy," Snape suggested as he did have a few potions that should make Harry complacent to the headmaster.
Dumbledore sat back in his chair and pondered Severus's suggestion for a few minutes. It did have some merit to it but the problem was getting passed that armor and blade Harry now wielded. The sword would be a simple matter it's the armor itself that was concerning for Dumbledore. And even if they could get close chances are Ms. Granger will be there to stop it. Suspecting Snape has an idea to get passed those two variables he looked to the Potions Master before speaking again. "Go on…" Dumbledore said hoping that Snape had a plan of some kind to get passed Hermione and that golden fanged armor.
Neither of them noticed Winky the House Elf, who was sitting behind Dumbledore's chair, completely invisible and listening to every word that was being said. A small smile appeared on her face. Master Harry and Mistress Hermione were going to be so happy with her spying.
(Scene Break Grimmauld Place)
In the dining room of Grimmauld Harry, Hermione, and Sirius were there with Amelia and Susan Bones as they shared a meal. As the Black/Bones combo family ate with the Makai Knight and Priestess there was a tense awkwardness in the air.
Prior to this once Kreacher had gathered the artifact Harry had proceeded to stab each and every one of them. In doing so black smoke shot out of them as the darkness inside them, were purged. Harry was surprised how much of them there was but once they were cleansed they had become more or less harmless to practically everyone. As Harry worked Hermione continued to research what she could on Horcrux their origins, how they're made, and even the detrimental effects of making, using, and being exposed to one.
At the dinner table the tension was so thick one could cut it with a knife. Harry was ready just about to blurt something out to relieve some of it. "So Sirius said you two use to be Hogwarts Sweethearts." Harry suddenly said as he looked to Amelia.
"I would not say that." Amelia said as Harry listened to her. "Though I would be lying that a part of me had hoped things had been different after Halloween of 1981." Amelia said as she knew how that fateful night turned out for all those involved.
"Yeah sorry." Harry apologized for that as it felt all that shit that happens in Wizarding London seems to revolve around him.
"It's quiet alright Mr. Potter." Amelia said as she continued to eat her food. "Though in a perfect world you and Susan would have been raised together and been like siblings." Amelia said as it was clear if she was not Harry's godmother she might as well be if Sirius had not been arrested over 16 years ago.
"Yeah siblings." Harry trailed off awkwardly as the events of the Tri-Wizard Tournament replayed in his mind where he saw Susan taking part in Malfoy's enchanted buttons of Potter Stinks. Harry didn't want to say it aloud especially at the table as Hermione was even gesturing him subtly not to mention the fiasco from back in their shared 4th Year.
"Harry if you are worried about the Potter Stinks buttons from your 4th year." Amelia began which got Harry's attention. "I already know about it." Amelia said as she was disappointed Susan would do that especially as a former Hufflepuff.
"It was about 6 months after you left, Voldemort made a massive attack and everyone realized what happened." Susan said as she was explaining how her aunt had found out. "I was scared and felt guilty one thing lead to another and well I told her what I did." Susan said and thus Harry didn't realize the negative effects his vanishing had caused for everyone.
"You don't have to feel guilty Susan." Harry suddenly said as he sat on his chair and ate his food. "You were simply following a mob mentality if you did not take part chances are they would have turned on you for doing so." Harry said as to the shock of many was taking a mature stance on the incident.
"I… um…" Susan stuttered as she was at a loss for words with this revelation.
"I'm going to sleep." Harry said as he had finished his place and made a small yawn. "I wish I could talk but I've had a long day." Harry said which Amelia understood what with Remus attempting to take Harry followed by this reunion also.
"Same here but I'm going to finish what I can on this research before turning in as well." Hermione said with her plate also empty. With that said she headed off back to the Library to finish up her research on anything that involved Horcrux's. With that done everyone began to finish up their own meals and then turn in for the evening as well.
(Scene Break Malfoy Manor Voldemort)
Inside the large hall room of Malfoy Manor, a long, ornate mahogany table sat. Surrounding this table sat a group of thirty witches and wizards, all of whom were cloaked in long black robes. They were the Death Eaters, the survivors of years of war who had managed to avoid the Ministry's purges over a year ago. There were other Death Eaters, of course, but these were the best of what remained, and some of them had been in service the longest.
At the head of the table, in a black throne-like seat carved with serpents sat the leader of the Death Eaters; Tom Riddle, the Dark Lord who operated under the self-given alias of Lord Voldemort. His evil red eyes surveyed his followers with extreme contempt, his slit like nostrils flaring in anger.
"Someone here had better have brought some good news with them." Voldemort snarled as he glared at the foes gathered before him. After the failed Raid the night before Voldemort wanted some good news to counter.
From three seats down the tables on Voldemort's left hand side, a hooked nosed, sallow-skinned and greasy-haired man raised his hand. "My Lord." Snape began as he got Voldemort's attention on him. "I bring news of utmost importance." Snape announced as he knew being a double agent had its own problems.
Voldemort's red eyes locked onto the man, who had to be one of the most universally hated Professors in all of Hogwarts' history "Is that so? Very well, Severus, regale us with your valuable information."
Several people around the table sneered and glowered at Snape, many of them still did not believe the man to be trustworthy. Unperturbed, Snape continued on "My Lord, I have information regarding the location of one of your biggest enemies." Snape said as he knew exactly what he was doing and that was sinking Voldemort on Harry all over again.
That certainly got everyone's interest, and a quiet murmur began grow amongst the seated Death Eaters, though this was silenced when Voldemort raised his hand. "Continue, Severus." Voldemort ordered with a small wave of his hand signaling Snape to continue his report.
"It seems that our previous attack was foiled when it drew out of hiding this aforementioned threat." Snape said as all eyes and ears were open and ears hanging on the words spoken here tonight.
"And what threat would that be?" Voldemort asked as he glared at Snape wanting answers.
"According to Dumbledore and his order who had acted in response to the attack, Harry Potter." Snape said and thus all eyes were widen in shock over the words spoken. Murmuring was heard through the room as it was clear none of them expected the return of Harry Potter after he left the Magical World as he did.
"Harry Potter?"
"He's back?"
"Milord." Snape went on as he looked to Voldemort. "If words were to get out that Harry Potter has returned I fear that our enemies shall in turn be filled with a new resolve to fight back." Snape said knowing Harry Potter's return must NOT be learned by the public at large here.
"If they even suspect Harry Potter has forgiven their transgressions against them then we will lose whatever advantage we have left." Voldemort snarled a bit knowing that if Harry Potter truly has returned he must die before anyone learns that the Boy-Who-Lived has finally returned. "We must deal with him discreetly." Voldemort said as he needed some way to locate and kill the boy without him being seen by anyone.
"Should we hold off on overthrowing the Minister?" Snape asked as Voldemort then thought it over.
"No… carry on as planned when a prime moment arrives use it." Voldemort said as he began to rub his chin deep in thought. Harry Potter's return was not expected assuming he did in fact return to the world. The boy will no doubt want to stay under the radar and Voldemort wants to kill him under the radar. The only other way this can be solved is if they exposed Harry's return in a method that would demonize him if at all possible. He needed more information and thankfully Snape was not his only spy in the light. With a small wave of his hand he bid his followers leave as he had much to think about here. As long as the boy does not learn of his Horcrux's then Voldemort had all the time in the world to eliminate the returned hero. But the questioned remained over how long Voldemort could keep the Horcrux existence secret when he had already destroyed one of them thanks to Lucius and later when Dumbledore found another and destroyed it also.
Voldemort needed to plan and contemplate and as an immortal he had all the time in the world to scheme.
(Scene Break that same evening)
Deep in the marsh area outside of the Burrow and the Rookery movement was seen. It was dark as it was vile while moving about through the tall Grass. It glared at the Burrow with a demonic look of hunger. It was using every bit of will power to hold itself back with the intent to wait for a buffet. From what it gathered a wedding was to be held here so why settle for a small family when it can have an entire party filled with soul to consume.
Despite all that it had to put up with in recent times this would be a wonderful way to fill its gullet. With a full stomach from this meal this creature endless hunger would be sedated for a brief time. All it had to do was wait for the opportunity to strike and thus feed.
(The Next Morning Grimmauld Place)
"I have everything I need." Hermione announced as she, Harry, and Sirius were currently gathered in the Black Families Library.
"And what did you find?" Harry asked as he saw stacks of parchments scattered about.
"Good news and bad news." Hermione began as she then presented the data she gathered. "So far from what we know about Horcrux's its more or less what we started with the good news is those like Zaruba can track Horcruxes and in the same way Horcrux's can be used to track others so long as they were made from the same person." Hermione said as she then presented data on a Dark Wizard who had created more than one. "They managed to end this one when they used one of his Horcrux's to locate the others and destroy them all in one fell swoop." Hermione added presenting the data to the gathered group here.
"So that's all well and good but I fail to see where the Bad news comes in." Harry said and thus Sirius had to agree on this bit of information.
"It's the fact due to prolong exposure to the Horcrux that the people who utilized this plan ended up killing each other or dying later for it." Hermione said and thus Harry gulped a bit when he heard this.
"Worry not Harry." Zaruba spoke so to ease Harry's own worried. "The one inside your scar is hardly cause for concern it was an unintended creation and more so it's so small you would need to be well into your twilight years for it to be of any concern." Zaruba eased and thus Harry gave a sigh of relief upon this.
"But be that as it may I'm already working on a means to keep its affects from harming us… but the problem is I need someone who had been exposed to a true Horcrux for prolong periods of time." Hermione said and thus Harry knew who they needed to get the last bit Hermione needed to make all this work.
"Ginny." Harry said as he knew the young Weasley daughter was the only person they both knew of who had prolonged exposure to a Horcrux.
"Yes Ginny." Hermione said as she knew what this meant.
"We have to go to Dumbledore's court where he has the advantage." Sirius said as he saw that the risk of exposing Harry and Hermione was high in this regard.
"We need a plan." Hermione said as this much was obvious to the group. "We can't just pop in on them because if we do they'll inform Dumbledore." Hermione said as she tried to think this through.
"Well Bill and Fleur are getting married in a couple of days." Sirius suddenly said which got the groups attention on the man.
"Wait what?" Harry asked as he heard what Sirius said.
"Bill and Fleur are getting married." Sirius announced and thus Hermione's gears began to turn.
"We can use this." Hermione said as she looked to Sirius. "Assuming there are a few Weasley's Sirius is still in contact we, we can go in a day or two before the wedding and be invited to it by Molly so to make the family whole in her mind." Hermione said as she began to walk back and forth as the plan formed in her mind. "In that time we can try and get close to Ginny and get a sample I need off of her for my ward." Hermione said as she looked to the group and sighed a bit. "Assuming it's still viable with how long it's been." Hermione solemnly adding to show this scheme may end up being all for nothing if the sample is unviable.
"We'll have to try, Hermione." Harry said as he looked to Hermione knowing it had to be done even if they did not want to.
"I know." Hermione said but returning to the Weasley's would stir up some old memories for the duo. But so long as they focused on their objective they should hopefully be done before Dumbledore knows.
"But if you two do show up Dumbledore will be informed by Molly." Sirius said and thus Harry nodded to this.
"We know which means we'll need to hide out here until the Wedding if we can't get the sample on day one." Harry said which Hermione agreed.
"Dumbledore will no doubt show up at the Wedding but at least then we'll have a crowd to cover us which will prevent him from being overt." Hermione added and thus they now had a plan of action, get in, get the sample from Ginny, and get out as soon as possible.
"We will also have to work under the assumption the entire Order is aware of Garo or at the very least Dumbledore's most loyal members." Harry offered which Hermione and Sirius were both agreeing on.
"Well then…" Sirius began with a smile on his face. "When do we start?" He asked and in turn they began their improve strategy meeting to get the Horcrux sample from Ginny.
(Scene Break the next day at the Burrow)
Needless to say everything and everyone were in high spirits at the Burrow right now. See in the years following the Twi-Wizard Tournament Bill and Fleur had crossed paths due to their work in Gringotts. Sparks flew between them and eventually a romance had blossomed from the British Wizarding meeting the beautiful French Quarter Veela.
The entire order was invited as were Sirius and his growing brood. From what they heard from Bill and Charlie Sirius and Amelia were trying to have a child. Sure it was late in the game some would think but after everything Sirius had been through he deserves some happiness. Of course with a war going on they needed as much happiness as they can managed to keep hold of. It was early afternoon and Molly was working on Lunch for her family seeing as in two days Bill and Fleur would be getting married.
So as one can see Molly was hard at work and thus sending her brood out to ensure everything was perfect for the happy couple. Now if only Harry and Hermione had not pulled a runner over two years ago then things would have turned out a tad bit different. She always thought Harry and Ginny looked nice together as did Ron and Hermione but the fact the two left did not pay credence to her thought on the pairings. But if what the Order and Dumbledore had said was true the Harry and Hermione had finally been found and both were alive and well.
Just then a knock was heard from the front door which drew Molly's attention away from her task of cooking. Opting to go look into it Molly performed a quick charm to have the food continue while she went to investigate the knock. Ever since the Lovegoods had that tragic incident occur two years prior no one has seen much of Luna save for the Quibbler posts. Clearly Luna was still well but had since moved the Quibbler's operations elsewhere no doubt for her own safety and the safety of her father's life long business.
But as Molly got to the door she carefully got ready in case the Death Eaters had finally managed to breach the properties protective wards. "Announce yourself!" She ordered and thus came the voice she knew very well.
"Sirius Black Molly with some guests." Sirius said and in turn Molly proceeded to open the door.
When she saw Sirius was the one there she smiled welcoming the head of the Black Family to her home. "Ah Sirius welcome, welcome." Molly greeted as she hugged the Head of the Black Household.
"Thank you Molly but I did not come here alone." Sirius said and thus Molly grew curious as to who else arrived here with Sirius.
"Well who else had arrived?" Molly asked and thus Sirius gestured to the arrivals which made Molly go wide eyed when she finally noticed them. Standing before here were none other than Harry Potter and Hermione Granger alive and well. "Merlin, Harry Hermione is that you?!" Molly asked shocked to see that they were here.
"Yes Mrs. Weasley we're… we're back." Harry said trying to sound awkward here.
"I hope you don't mind us dropping by Harry and I just felt a tad bit nostalgic recently." Hermione said as she played her role flawlessly here.
"Not at all, come in come in." Molly said gesturing for Harry and Hermione to enter with Sirius in tow. By the sound of things Molly was very happy that Harry and Hermione had finally returned to the magical world. "Do you plan to stay for dinner?" Molly asked no doubt wanting to catch up with the wayward pair after all this time they had spent away from their world.
"If able yes." Harry said as this brought a wide smile for the Weasley Matriarch.
(Later in the living Room)
Harry and Hermione were in the living room as Molly was serving up some tea and biscuits for her guests. "Ron, Ginny come down here I have a surprised waiting!" Molly called out and soon from up the stairs came the forms of Ron and Ginny.
When the two youngest of the Weasley clan arrived they were of course wide eyed in shock when they saw Harry and Hermione there.
All was quiet for a moment as Harry and Hermione looked to the two Weasley's and played the role that was needed of them here. "Hey guys… we're back." Harry said softly and thus Ginny was the first to act.
"Harry!" Ginny cried out and charged at Harry before jumping into him and tried to kiss him. Key word being tried as Harry while he did catch Ginny had also pushed her away from him when she tried to kiss the returned boy-who-lived.
"Ginny I'd rather you not kiss me in front of Hermione." Harry said as Ginny was of course confused by this.
"W-what why?" Ginny asked as she looked surprised by this.
"That's because Hermione and I are… together." Harry said trying to let Ginny down gently here.
"Yes you're here together but what does that have to do with it?" Ginny said and thus Harry wanted to bonk her head for that.
"No I mean Hermione and I are dating each other." Harry said as that much was true since after nearly losing her to the Death Eaters in the vision he got and later to the Horror the feelings he had were given a right kick to get that jump start. Even Molly was shocked by this as Ron glared at Harry for a moment no doubt not liking what he had heard from the boy.
"Pardon?" Ron asked shocked over what he just heard.
"It's a long story I assure you." Hermione said as she looked to the gathered group. "One we'll be more than happy to share during dinner, if you'll have us." Hermione said as she smiled to Molly who nodded to this.
"Oh of course." Molly said and thus the group began sit about and talk while Molly was seen leaving and entering the room from the Kitchen.
(Later that Evening Harry)
That evening, Harry Potter stood outside of the home to get some fresh air as he enjoyed a brief moment of silence while currently outside. But the truth was something else as Zaruba opted not to speak to his partner.
"Harry" Zaruba began as he got Harry's attention on him.
"The food and drinks were spiked weren't they?" Harry said as a matter of fact instead of asking as a question to had Madou partner.
"Yes they were I'm afraid." Zaruba said as she spoke aloud to Harry. "Thankfully it's not a powerful one seeing as the training you endure to resist such attempts to manipulate you as well as the Makai Orders own enhancement based magic the potions had zero effect on you." Zaruba said as Harry listened to what the Madou Ring said. "But something isn't right because right now it's hard to tell who tried to potion you amongst them." Zaruba said as Harry crossed his arms while trying to think on who would try to potion him and Hermione and why.
Dinner would be served soon but no doubt Hermione was keeping a look out for anymore potion attempts on them. They would inform Sirius of this later assuming he was not give any potions himself. In the last two years Harry has had time to think and observe and somethings in his memories did not add up with the Weasley's and Dumbledore. In his first year he was lost trying to find Platform 9 ¾ for his first year at Hogwarts which was when he had first met the Weasleys. Molly was screaming it quiet loud in a muggle area risking breaking the Statues of Secrecy by doing that act.
And considering she's had to make this trip to the Hogwarts Express several times with Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, and George has lead Harry to believe it was planned. He didn't want to think about it but it did make the most sense back then. Then Ron supposedly came to his cabin on the train that same year because as he said everywhere else was full. Now one would think nothing of it but Harry began to realize that on a magical train it was all but impossible for that to be the case then.
Then came Ginny herself which Harry began to suspect Molly and her Potter Story time was more to get close to Harry somehow. Harry did not want to think ill, of the family who all but took him in but there were too many incidents to just shrug it off as coincidences for the Knight. Closing his eyes he tried to think of something that would prove they were innocent of such acts but there was too many strikes against them through the years. Harry actually began to suspect that if he was born a girl Ron would have been the target of 'Potter story time,' instead of Ginny through the years.
But before anything else could be said a new voice drew Harry from his thoughts. "Harry?" Ginny, one of the subjects of Harry's concerns, was heard which got his attention on her.
Opening his eyes, he turned saw that Ginny was standing there, fidgeting rather nervously as she stood in her sleep-wear. Her dark underwear was easily seen through the sheer fabric of her white nighty which was all under a robe.
"Hmm?" He hummed, turning his gaze towards the Burrow's property once more.
"Can... can I talk to you?" she squeaked out as Harry then gazed back at her for this.
"About?" he asked, his voice clipped as he carried a small bit of suspicion of her yet hit it well. After all if Ginny or the one trying the potions become aware of him Harry suspected a confrontation was inevitable.
Ginny blushed to the roots of her hair as she also wrung her hands together nervously. "I… I was wondering..." She said, her voice trailing off to a murmur before she summoned some Gryffindor courage to ask her question. "I was wondering if you would help me… in my bedroom?" she asked which caused Harry to raise an eyebrow to the girl's odd request.
Harry shrugged in response as he wanted to know what it was exactly. "Absolutely, what do you need?" Harry asked as he turned fully to face Ginny wanting to help her with whatever problem she was having. "If it's your summer homework I'm sure Hermione would also be willing to help." Harry said but Ginny would not have any of that here.
"N- No! Only you can help me, Harry." Ginny took a few shaking steps towards him, pressing her budding breasts up against his broad back. "My bed feels rather… empty." Ginny said as Harry began to put the pieces together of what she wanted. If this was two years ago she might have had him eating out of the palm of her hands. But Harry has been trained to be aware and resists such temptations and was in turn aware she was trying to seduce him in some form.
Her delicate fingers danced across his shoulders and she smiled as she felt him tense. Harry was on guard as he tried to make Ginny confess to what she was trying to do or that she was the one trying to potion him. "I don't know how I can fix that." Harry spoke in a low voice, his body still like a statue ready to push Ginny away if she tried to do something.
Ginny scraped her fingernails gently across his chest, doing her best to tease his muscles. "I'm sure we can find a way… after all you're the hero we need right now." she whispered and turned to leave, swaying her lithe hips as she walked, in case he were to look back. "Hermione doesn't have to know." She said while returning to the house and thus Harry clenched his fists to this.
It was lucky that she didn't see Harry's reaction or she might have run screaming. His eyes glowed furiously. His breathing became ragged, his joins cracking over the last bit of what Ginny said. 'The hero they needed,' bah it because of crap like that he left in the first place. "She hasn't changed in the slightest." Harry said as he knew about Ginny's hero worship crush on him. She knew he and Hermione were together and here she was trying to draw him away from her. How dare Ginny try to seduce him so brazenly despite what she knew now?! He would never give Hermione up, not for Ginny at least and yet Ginny was trying to lure him away from the witch turned Priestess.
He needed to tell Hermione, immediately. Harry knew that she would not be happy about this but she needed to know so she can exercise caution around them. Zaruba could easily read the air and knew what was going on causing the Madou Ring to almost felt sorry for that girl.
(Later over with Hermione)
Hermione was leaving the loo after washing her face a bit. As she walked she saw a brief moment of Ginny entering her room. When she did so Hermione thought nothing of it at least until she saw how she was dressed at the time. Molly would not have allowed that to happen on a normal day but Hermione suspected Molly didn't know of it. Opting to ignore it Hermione continued to walk even though it would pass by the room Ginny had went inside.
As Hermione entered the room she soon heard Ginny and Ron inside opting her to stop just pass the door to listen in on them. "Ron!" Ginny was heard as Hermione listened in on their conversation.
"What is it?" Ron asked sounding the same as she remembered, lazy.
"It's not working they ingested enough of the potion to make them fall in love with a bloody horse if it was keyed to one." Ginny was heard as Ron hummed a bit.
"Who did what?" Ron asked but Ginny was not having any of it here.
"Oh please don't play dumb, you know things have gone off the plan." Ginny replied as she sounded annoyed with her elder brother.
"Huh?" Ron asked as he was trying to keep up.
"Can't you see what's happening?" Ginny asked him as she could not believe she was related to this.
"What?" Ron asked her a dumbfounded tone in his voice
"Oh you don't have a clue do you?" She replied realizing Ron truly was that dim after two years of having to do his own homework after Harry and Hermione left. "Harry and Hermione" Ginny said grinding her teeth and stomping a bout suggesting she was pissed off at the moment here.
"What about them?" Ron asked still dumbfounded about what Ginny was talking about. "They drank the potions it should be taking effect soon." Ron said and thus Ginny was heard face palming herself in the room.
"You dolt they may have drank it but the effects aren't showing!" Ginny shouted as she sounded quiet peeved with Ron. "The potion had to have been faulty!" Ginny snarled as Ron looked confused.
"But that's impossible we followed the notes precisely." Ron said but Ginny then snarled before continuing. "Maybe their immune?" Ron offered and thus Ginny stopped for a moment.
"That's impossible Ron, no one especially a muggleborn is immune to love potions." Ginny said and thus Hermione's fist clenched when she heard this. "I'll try to sneak some more into their food max it out if I must but if it does not work we need to try again at the Wedding if they accept the invitation of course." Ginny said as she was banking on them coming.
"Ginny don't worry Dumbledore said all will be well in the end." Ron said but Ginny wasn't convinced on this as both were unaware of Hermione listening in on them.
"It can't be if the potion isn't working you dolt!" Ginny scolded and thus Hermione was putting the pieces together. "If it doesn't work you don't get Hermione and I don't become the wife to the slayer of Voldemort." Ginny said no doubt trying to get Ron to see her reasoning as Hermione stepped back. "Now just do as you normally do smile and nod and make sure they get as much of the potion into them as possible if it doesn't work we will need to brew an entire new batch for the wedding." Ginny said and thus Hermione took her leave no doubt Zaruba had detected it also.
As Hermione came down the stairs though she soon bumped into Harry and in turn they looked to each other. "Ginny tried to seduce you?" Hermione asked as she looked to Harry.
"Yeah, found out about the potions?" Harry asked after giving his own response.
"Yes and some of the masterminds behind it." Hermione said and in turn they both knew they had to be careful going forward from here.
"Something is most certainly not right with that girl. I suspect she and that Ronald boy are prime candidates to accept a Horror into them should they happen or open a gate for them." Zaruba said as Harry and Hermione agreed with the Madou Ring knowing they had to be careful around those two now. In fact it feels to them that they will have to exercise caution with the entire Weasley Family until they knew which Weasley was a friendly and who were not. Thus with this in mind the duo (Trio counting Zaruba) agreed to keep a close eye on the youngest Weasley's and Molly seeing as she was the one serving the food to all those gathered.
(Later that evening during Dinner)
Dinner while trying to portray a happy scene Harry and Hermione were far from it. The pair were on edge and hid this fact well save for Sirius who took note of it. During this Ron seemed to be glaring at them for one reason or another which raised red flags for Harry on this. Whatever was happening Sirius suspected that the pair had taken note of something concerning here.
"So where have you been hiding out all this time?" Arthur asked and thus Harry already had a cover for that.
"Muggle America you see." Harry said as he looked to the family. "Hermione and I wanted to put as much distance as we could from magic as possible but knowing Hermione we knew magic was not always self-study." Harry explained as he looked to the Weasley's.
"So Harry with my help managed to find tutors for us so we can keep up with our magical education." Hermione cut in as she looked to the Weasley clan as they were all gathered for this meal.
"One thing lead to another and…" Harry said and thus Ron knew what was implied.
"Oh how wonderful." Arthur said as he sounded happy Harry and Hermione found each other after leaving the Wizarding World.
"Hah seems we're going to have to collect on that wager after all." Fred said as the pair heard this.
"Yeap seems everyone suspected you two had gone to elope after 5th year." George added to what his twin said which got a small laugh from Harry for their antics.
"Ron are you ok?" Hermione asked pretending like she just noticed his scowl. But the truth was that Hermione had noticed the scowl long ago.
"Yeah you seem to be upset about something." Harry added as in turn Ron opted to respond to the pair.
"Oh no worried I'm fine, Potter." Ron said as Harry saw this as strike 1 against Ron showing his true colors to the pair here.
"Well if anything about you is the same in these past 2 years then now I know for a fact something is wrong." Harry said as he knew something was bugging Ron and knew exactly what it was. "But if you're going to act like our 4th year again it would not surprise me." Harry said which got Ron to get heated a bit.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Ron asked accusingly as he glared at Harry there.
"Well since back in 4th year you were telling everyone who would listen that I cheated to get into the tournament and turned you back on me where only Hermione stood by my side…" Harry trailed of but the implication was clear. "It's not hard to picture you as a fair weather friend after that." Harry added as Ron clenched his fork which was starting to get everyone on edge now.
"Well not like it's a lie anymore, perfect Potter gets everything he wanted after all." Ron growled as Harry then clenched his own fist to make it seem as Ron was setting him off now.
"Ron if you have something to say then just come out and say it." Harry said as everyone began to grow worried by this scene. Truth was Harry was actually being set off but thankfully he has better self-control now than when he did years ago to aim it properly.
"Ronald!" Molly scolded as she glared at her son for his outburst.
"No mum this needs to be said from a cowardly traitor like him!" Ron yelled as he glared at Harry in contempt. "You bloody well knew I fancied Hermione!" Ron yelled as he glared at Harry while shooting up to tower him.
"That's rich." Harry began as he closed his eyes and kept a calm look to the youngest Weasley son. "Considering we've had almost five years of schooling to say otherwise." Harry said as he glared at Ron with those words.
"Of course you always have everything!" Ron snapped but he was far from done. "I mean you run away from all of us and leave us all to suffer under Voldemort and then have the gall to come back and act all high and might!" Ron went off as Harry sat there glaring at Ron, daring him to keep going here. "And yet you still got the girl in the end the girl who should have been mine!" Ron yelled and thus that did it for Harry.
"Hermione is not some prize to be won Ronald!" Harry yelled while he stood straight up as he had just about enough of Ron's toxic friendship. "All the years we've known each other you've either had to be convinced to help us with a problem at Hogwarts or turn on us when it got to hard or you didn't get the bloody spotlight!" Harry yelled but was far from done with Ron. "You act like Hermione owe you anything after the Troll incident in our First Year!" Harry yelled while glaring at Ron.
"If it wasn't for us!" Ron began but Harry cut him off.
"If it wasn't for you she'd never have been in there in the first place!" Harry yelled as that was the chief catalyst that started all of this anyway. "Also when Hermione got my Firebolt confiscated in our Third Year and you had me turn on her WORST MISTAKE I EVER MADE!" Harry yelled as he had enough of Ron's shit through the years as even the Weasley's were shocked by what was said. "Hermione was our friend she should have been more important than some blooming broom!" Harry went on and in turn Ron had to shoot back something. "What bloody hell makes you think you have ANY Right to her when you've done NOTHING but belittle her and make her do your homework for you!" Harry yelled as Ron finally had enough of being scolded like this.
"Because Ginny and I have been feeding you and her love potions since our 4th year!" Ron yelled and thus Ginny was wide eyed by this as Ron realizing his blunder covered his mouth.
Molly was shocked, Fred and Bill were horrified by those words, Arthur was ashamed, and even Bill and Fleur were shocked. "Ginny is this true?" Arthur asked as he looked to his daughter hoping Ron was lying or making it up.
"Of course he's not why would I play any role in a plan he must have come up with!?" Ginny asked trying to deflect but Ron knew he was going down so he was going to take Ginny down with him.
"Oh don't bloody well start with me Ginny it was your blooming idea, she has all the ingredients for a Love Potion and the equipment in her room hidden away!" Ron yelled as Ginny was shocked by this.
"He's lying!" Ginny defended as Hermione knew Ginny was in fact lying.
"She even dosed Harry and Hermione's food before the meal started!" Ron tried as Ginny was looking around frantically as she tried to think of a way out.
It was then that Arthur decided to step in on this. "Bill, Fleur you two head up and search Ginny's Room." Arthur began as Ginny was wide eyed.
"Why you won't find anything there?!" Ginny tried to stop them but Fred and George were the first to move.
As Bill and Fleur went upstairs to search Ginny's room the twins saw Ginny struggle and thus grew worried that Ron was being truthful about this. "If that's true why are you so worried?" Fred asked as he didn't want to think his baby sister was capable of this.
"Charlie." Arthur went off as Molly looked cationic from the revelation revealed to her tonight.
"Alright." Charlie said and thus with a quick spell from his wand the plates were all scanned and showed that the couples plates were in fact doses with love potions. Not only that there were other potions involved as well as Charlie was left wide eyed by this.
Not long after Fleur and Bill returned and thus had a look of pure shock and horror in their eyes. "We found it just as Ron said." Bill said and thus Ginny saw all were eyes on her now in horror.
"Harry, please, that tramp is manipulating you! You came to save me in our second year can't you see we're made for each other!?" Ginny tried to explain but Harry would not hear any of it.
"I don't want to hear it, Ginny." Harry said as it was clear he was not going to be staying for much longer here.
Ginny stood back from Harry, her eyebrows knit together, her fiery hair fairly crackling with anger. "You can't just dismiss me, Harry. I've got something to say to you, and you're going to hear me out!" She yelled but Harry would not have it here.
"No I won't and I don't have to." Harry responded as he glared at Ginny. "After what you've done, Ginny, you have no right whatsoever to tell me what I will and won't do, but if you think you've just got to tell me why you decided to force me to feel things for you that I wouldn't have felt otherwise, then by all means, go ahead. You might as well start at the beginning. Tell me, when did you decide that I needed to start having feelings for you? When did you start slipping me a love potion?" Harry said as he glared at Ginny who would not stand for her 'future husband,' to treat her like that.
"Oh, don't go acting all high and mighty, Harry! It was a love potion, what's so awful about that, hmm?" Ginny asked as Harry glared at her. "You were just being shy and need a push in the right direction it helped that this would leave Hermione available to." Ginny began only to jump when Harry slammed his fist on the table so hard it actually cracked from the impact almost breaking in half from it.
"Love is not something that you can play with at will, Ginny. It's the most powerful force in the universe. It has the power to save a life and take it away. It-" Harry began as he had learned a lot about love in the two years he was away.
"Oh, Harry, don't act as though you understand love, you'll-" Ginny began but Harry cut her off with a snap.
"Only embarrass myself," Harry finished for her his face was hard, his jaw set, his eyes a dark forest green looking more like the Makai Knight he was trained as. He looked directly into Ginny's eyes, which actually looked rather frightened. "You're pathetic and sick." Harry growled as he glared at Ginny daring the girl to just try her hand at lying to him again.
No one else said a word, but there had been several gasps at Ginny's comment. Everyone was riveted to the scene before them where Harry was standing stiff and straight, looking every bit of the powerful wizard they all knew him to be. After several seconds he softened his features, calming himself down as best he could at the moment. "I think I'll go, Mrs. Weasley. I thank you and Mr. Weasley for your kind hospitality." Harry said before, he then looking towards Bill and Fleur direction. "I'll come for the wedding. Maybe I'll learn a few things," Harry added looking directly at Ginny with an intense glare.
As Harry left Hermione did a small apology as Sirius knew it was time to bail. "I'm very sorry about this." Sirius said and thus Arthur nodded.
"No I'm sorry I suppose we may need some time." Arthur said as he looked to the two guilty children of the Weasley family. When the trio were gone Molly had finished looking through the ingredients and was horrified over what she found they made.
Molly then directed her attention over to Ginny and when she did all eyes fell to her as well. "I… I just wanted Harry to love me, it's the only thing I've ever wanted. I've tried so hard, for years to make Harry love me, and he'd just given it to her." Ginny said as the water works looked ready to spill.
"Oh Ginny, how could you have used Amortentia on poor Harry?" Molly said as the Weasley matriarch chastised her daughter.
Ginny suddenly got very heated, when her mother said that. "What do you mean how could I? It's no different then what you did to Dad!" Ginny snapped as this got everyone in the room shocked save for Ron.
"WHAT!?" Every Weasley man in the room side from Arthur all exclaimed at once. Then all eyes went over to Arthur as Bill moved fleur behind him as if to shield her.
"That is not the same dear…" Molly began but was quickly interrupted by her Daughter
"Isn't it?" Ginny asked snidely as she glared at her mother. "So I suppose Potter Storytime was different as well?" Ginny asked as she was now making her tone accusing in nature. "Or maybe you wanted credit for the idea." She went on as Molly was being yelled at by her own daughter. "You always told me Dad only asked you out after you slipped a few drops into his morning Pumpkin Juice… All I did was follow your example!" Ginny yelled as it was clear she refused to accept the consequences of her own actions.
"Once Dear, one time but I never." Molly began and thus realized what this all implicated for them two years ago to now. "Oh, poor Harry." Molly gasped as she looked ready to faint now.
"Poor Harry?!" Ginny was clearly shocked at her mother's reply, and given the fact it had just come out she'd done the same to their father, Ron could see why. "It's, okay for you but not for me even if it was to help Ron get a girl which he would never even gotten on his own?" Ginny accused as she glared at her mother.
"Hey!" Ron snapped but was elbowed by Fred for cutting in.
"I only did what you did to…" Ginny argued but just then the last person anyone ever expected to snap rose his voice.
"Ginevra Molly Weasley!" Arthur yelled much to everyone's shock since they had never once seen Arthur ever raise his voice to anyone in his life like that. "Don't you dare try and blame your mother for your own choices. It is not the same thing you and Harry, and your mother and I!" Arthur scolded as he never once thought he would have to scold his only daughter like this.
Apparently wanting to break the tension Bill opted to speak up. "What do you mean Dad, what's different?" Bill asked as he was a bit curious about this.
The rose in Mr. Weasley's cheeks quickly went from that of anger to embarrassment. "Ah well… you're Mother… well she was quite the looker back in school." Arthur said as he remembered his younger years.
"Was?" Molly asked giving her husband a questioning and warning look.
"Ah Ha, did I say was?" Mr. Weasley stammered trying to fix this fast.
"He did, didn't he Fred?" George said as he looked to his twin brother Fred.
"Oh most certainly George." Fred replied to his twin brother George's question.
Ron watched as his father gave the twins a smirk that said I'll get you for that, and continued. "Thanks boys. Look the point is I was already very attracted to your mother before she ever gave me the potion. I knew it, she knew it; everyone knew it." Arthur said as Bill still needed more information on this one.
"So then why the potion at all?" Bill asked and in turn it was Molly who spoke up.
"Because," Their mother replied while sending a glare at Ron for his role in all of this. "Your father had about as much back bone when it comes to women as Ronald there." She said as the glare promised punishment to both Ron and Ginny for past their actions.
"How is, this not the same Harry clearly needed the kick to the right direction and the potion provided until that bitch stole him from our world!" Ginny yelled refusing to see her faults here.
In response Arthur took a seat next to Ginny and wrapped an arm around her. "Except that I was already in love with your Mother dear." He began trying to get her to see reason. "She only had to give it to me once, just to get me over the hump, past my nerves, once we'd…" Arthur began before Molly gave her husband another don't you dare look. "Well once we were official, I never needed a second dose." Arthur said and thus got to the final bit.
"I know this is going to be hard for you to hear, but the fact you've been giving Harry this potion for months." Arthur began and thus swallowed his resolve to let his daughter know the truth. "It can only mean it's not nerves holding Harry back, he doesn't have the underlying feelings Ginger pop, he never has, and I doubt very much he ever will, as much as you may want him too." Arthur said hoping this would be enough to convince Ginny she was in the wrong for this scheme.
At first Ginny grew quiet as she clenched her fists through this. She then gained a wrathful glare before shooting up and glared at her entire family. "No you're ALL wrong you're all against me!" She yelled as she then stepped away from her shocked brothers and parents. "You'll see he loves me no boy would save me from a shade of you know who and a Basilisk if they didn't love me!" Ginny yelled as she sounded almost rabid when she shouted this out. Clearly her family was growing concern for Ginny's own sanity but before anyone could stop her she stormed out of the dining room and out to the front door.
"Ginny!" Molly yelled but only got the slamming of the front door in response.
But before Molly could give chase Arthur stepped in. "No she needs time to understand just let her be for tonight." Arthur said knowing Ginny needed time to clear her heard some.
"Well since that's all settled." Ron began but was then cut off by Molly.
"Don't think for even a moment you are not without fault." Molly said as she glared at Ron who in turn knew he was in trouble. "Let us see just how much you owe in terms of transgressions." Molly said and thus came the longest interrogation in history not for how long it took to make one crack but how much they have to spill forth.
(Meanwhile outside over with Ginny)
Ginny was glaring out as she stood outside before she yelled and screamed to the heavens. Grabbing what she could the girl threw out what she could reach outside the ward line from rocks and even broken fence pieces. As she did this Ginny was clearly upset about not getting what she had been promised.
She kept yelling and roaring as tears began to stream down her face. "That mudblood bitch!" Ginny finally yelled as she had enough. "She stole him away she twisted his mind against me and turned them ALL against me!" Ginny yelled as she wanted retribution, she wanted what she felt was hers, and most of all she wanted Hermione dead!
Just then Ginny's eyes widened in shock when she heard a new voice. "So you want her dead?" A voice asked and thus Ginny looked and fell back with a yelp when she saw crimson red eyes glaring at her with an amused look inside. "The one who took the boy from you correct?" It asked for clarification from the witch with its demonic voice.
"Who… what are you?" Ginny asked as she looked to the creature in the darkness.
"Do you want him to yourself? Do you want to eliminate all obstacles standing between you and your hero?" The creature asked as Ginny saw what it was offering her. "I can do it I can help you all I need from you is your confirmation." The being said and thus Ginny's eyes began to dull over its honey soaked words. This creature had planned to stay hidden until the Wedding in two days but this version of the plan would suit its needs better.
It was then Ginny chose to make the biggest and final mistake of her life. "Yes." She responded and in turn the next thing that happen was as expected. From the shadows the Horror came forth and entered Ginny through her face and mouth as she cried out from the ordeal as the Horror ate her from the inside out. Eventually the deed came to an end as Ginny slumped forward in an ominous manner. But when she raised her head as had an insane smile with her eyes glowing a demonic red color now.
(Scene Break Grimmauld Place Later)
"I can't believe I lost my cool." Harry said as he was not happy about this evening.
"Harry we can still try again in two days." Hermione said knowing why Harry was upset right now.
"But this is serious." Sirius said as he stood with them. "Now that we could not get our sample Dumbledore will no doubt be aware of us now." Sirius said as he could tell just how bad this was turning.
"It's worse than that." Zaruba spoke as the group all heard the Madou Ring. "While we were there I had detected a Horror dormant but ready to awaken at a given notice." Zaruba said much to the group shock. "From what I could detect it would seem the Horror is waiting for something." Zaruba said and in turn there was one thing a Horror cared for… feeding its hunger.
"The wedding." Harry said as Hermione had similar thoughts. All those people an all you can eat buffet and the Horror was waiting on it. "We need to go back and cut it down!" Harry said but Zaruba had to stop him from doing something reckless.
"We can't its dormant state had erected a barrier to keep itself hidden and safe until such time that it can feed." Zaruba said as he knew of several Horrors with that sort of ability. "It would take weeks to prepare a way to pierce such a barrier and with the wedding in two days…" Zaruba trailed off but his warning was clear to them.
"We don't have enough time." Sirius said and thus there was only one thing they can do… wait for the Wedding to end this Horror.
"Then we better get ready." Harry said as he knew it had to be done after all it was the duty of one who protects. It was the duty of a Makai Knight to hunt down and eliminate all Horrors who enter this world.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well here we are Chapter 4 done and with it we move forward with the story. I'm personally enjoying this fic thus far and glad to have my readers continued support for this fic. Now then remember before you leave to put a review in and as always ja-ne.