Chapter 11 Busy, Crookshanks and Ginny is relieved
30th August 1993, Bones Manor
Susan was thinking about the last few days, she had barely seen her aunt. She was happy that Hannah had stayed until yesterday evening after dinner but Hannah wanted to spend some time with her mother before she went to Hogwarts. Susan wanted to do the same thing with her aunt but because of Sirius Black and gathering support for Hagrid's case, her aunt was very busy.
She hoped that her aunt at least was going to see her off, but her aunt said that she was going to king cross station with Harry, Hermione and the Weasleys. She liked Harry a lot and Hermione was very nice. When she thought about the Weasleys she didn't blame Ginny because Harry didn't and after his story, she was feeling sorry for Ginny for what she endured. She felt so much for Ginny that the dislike she had for Ron was now almost pure hate. She liked the twins they are very funny and the pranks were never caused 'permanent' harm, so she didn't really hate them but, was still unhappy about them sometimes. She didn't really know Percy but according to the prefects from Hufflepuff, Percy followed and trusted the rules without question and with that also every authority figure. Even her aunt said that you mustn't blindly follow the rules.
She was reading her books for the upcoming year trying to focus on her studies to help Harry if he needed it and get to know him even better. She blushed while thinking about Harry and remembered seeing him playing Quidditch which he loves.
30th August 1993, the Leaky Cauldron
Harry is sitting downstairs waiting for Hermione. He spotted orange hair running downstairs. He suddenly felt something against his leg and looks down. He sees Crookshanks showing affection before jumping into Harry's lap. Harry started to pet Crookshanks and after a few minutes, a panicking Hermione comes down and directly goes to Harry.
"Harry? Harry, I lost Crookshanks have you seen him?" Hermione asks while almost in tears and almost throwing herself at Harry. Before she hugs Harry with the speed that would knock him out of his chair she stops.
"Harry, what is Crookshanks doing in your lap?" Hermione said. Her eyes were having an angry look in them.
"Hermione, he just came down before you and ran to me. He rubbed his head to my leg a few times and then jumped in my lap. I didn't know that he had escaped."
Crookshanks sees his owner, jumps from Harry's lap onto the table and waits for his owner to take a seat. Hermione hugs Harry and said "sorry" for getting angry without reason. Harry understands that even though the last wasn't said.
Hermione takes a seat and directly Crookshanks jumps in her lap and Hermione just couldn't stay mad at her new pet and start petting him which makes Crookshanks purr.
Harry and Hermione were talking and decided to take a late breakfast and go walking to Diagon Alley although Hermione wanted to read the new books Harry gave her. She had read only two chapters in one book last night before turning in and this morning she was dressing and then searching for Crookshanks for minutes before. She also went to Harry's room not finding him there.
Harry wants to look at the Firebolt again because even with his good broom the Firebolt was a piece of art. Before walking through Diagon Alley Hermione put Crookshanks in Harry's room so Hedwig can look out for Crookshanks. The woman in the store said that Crookshanks was large for a cat and for his age but also that he was brought back a few times but Hermione hoped with Hedwig Crookshanks will stay in the room. They weren't fighting when she entered with Crookshanks Hedwig greeted her and told Hedwig who the cat was and that she was the owner. Crookshanks even meowed happily at Hedwig with Hedwig answered with a hoot that was the same as towards Hermione greeting Crookshanks.
During a trip in Diagon Alley, a big black dog was following them with his eyes and seeing Aurors nearby but wanted to approach Harry again but stopped himself. He turned around and went into Knockturn Alley. He entered an old store that was closed years ago when the last owner fled the country and turned into Sirius Black, the escaped convict.
He decides to leave right away and travel towards Hogwarts. He was weakened because of the lack of food and the Dementor exposure. Because of that, he couldn't apparate, he wasn't sure if he was strong enough right now. The dementor exposure after 12 years would take a lot of time to recover and he couldn't focus his mind enough to safely apparate he suspected even if he was strong enough but he was still recuperating from everything, but also because of what he needed to do now he was free, he couldn't focus his mind enough to apparate.
Hermione decided if she should talk about Quidditch. She learned it only for Harry. She decided isn't wasn't the right time he just wanted to see the Firebolt nothing else. After 15 minutes Hermione was getting irritated, she read every book that was in the store. Harry noticed and went to Hermione and said: "let's go, Hermione, we can stop by Flourish and Blotts before we return."
Hermione had a huge smile on her face when Harry mentioned stopping by Flourish and Blotts. She had money but it was for Hogsmeade, but she just liked a bookstore even if she just walked and look through it.
Hermione had a huge smile on her face the whole way from Quality Quidditch Supplies to Flourish and Blotts. When they entered Flourish and Blotts Hermione disappeared behind the bookcases while Harry took a seat near a corner in the story.
30th August 1993, Flourish and Blotts, Diagon Alley
Not a minute after entering a woman walked in and looked around and saw Harry sitting lost in his thought it seems and she heard someone walking behind bookcases and could only figure it was probably Hermione. She walked to the nearest bookcase, grabbed a book and said near a table in a corner opposite from Harry but also sees Hermione walking between bookcases looking at different books.
After two and a half hours Harry was still in his thoughts rethinking for the fifth time the summer after he left the Dursleys and also thought about Medusa and Dobby. The woman across from him was pretending to be busy looking through her third book while Hermione was still looking through the bookcases.
The door of the store opened and a girl with her parents walked in. Before Tonks could respond the girl was hugging Harry pulling Harry out of his thoughts. Hermione noticed it and quickly runs to Harry and pulled the girl away and started screaming "LET GO OF HARRY YOU S…..". Hermione suddenly stopped screaming and couldn't continue.
She was embarrassed she didn't know why she reacted like that, but she was also embarrassed as the girl she was screaming at was Katie Bell, fellow Gryffindor and muggleborn, only one year older and Harry's teammate from the Quidditch house team.
Hermione blushed from being embarrassed and said with barely louder than a whisper "sorry Katie I didn't know it was you."
"Hermione it doesn't matter. I understand really I do."
Katie turns towards Harry again and says "sorry Harry that I hugged you out of the blue, but after you know what I didn't have time to talk to you and wanted to know if you were alright."
After Harry wasn't shocked and shuddered anymore, he said "no problem Katie and as you can see, I am fine."
Katie explained to her little shocked parents who they were and greeted Harry and Hermione friendly and Katie's father asked Harry about Quidditch, what his position was again (even though Katie talked about the team and Harry at home), what he thought of it as being muggle raised and what he thought of the team including Katie.
Katie's mother, Katie, and Hermione start talking about school while both Hermione and Katie don't mention the chamber or the troll from Hermione's first year. Katie didn't have her books yet because she was on vacation until the 28th of August so she decided to get everything today.
She already went to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions and her new robes and school clothes will be down today or tomorrow but will be sent to her with owl post. She got everything else including a broom service kit and got a present from her parents for her good grades. She got new arms and torso protection. The last thing she needed was her books for the upcoming year.
Hermione was done putting the books back while Katie's parents look around the bookstore while Katie asks the clerk for the fourth yearbooks and grabs the book for her electives.
Harry notices Hermione looking unhappy and decided that with his gold left in his pocket and not going to Hogsmeade he could buy Hermione two or three more books. There were a few books she really was unhappy about putting back.
Before Hermione could put the last three other books back Harry said behind Hermione "Hermione do you want those three books."
Hermione turns around "yes Harry but I don't have enough money left for the books and for Hogsmeade" Hermione responded with a deep sigh. Before Hermione could turn around again to put the books back Harry grabbed them for Hermione with his seeker reflex and speed and walks toward the clerk. Hermione jumps almost into a bookcase when Harry grabbed the books Hermione wondered what Harry was doing and was shocked when Harry walked toward the clerk and paid for the books. Hermione couldn't stop Harry because she was shocked.
After Harry, Katie got her books and paid for them. Harry offered Katie and her parents to have a late lunch with him and Hermione. Katie looks at her parents and her mother just smiled her father shrugged so Katie made the decision and agreed. The group of five left and Harry gave Hermione a bag with the three books.
30th August 1993, the Leaky Cauldron
After a few minutes, they walk in for the back of the Leaky Cauldron and sit at a table near the wall. Not a minute after a woman they haven't seen behind them enters and takes a seat at the bar, but they didn't notice it.
Harry gets all the orders and walks towards the bar to give Tom the order before thanking Tom. Before Harry could return the old woman at the bar asks "dear boy could you tell me who that is when she pointed to his table?"
Harry trust the woman but he didn't know why but decided to trust his gut feeling and answered trustfully "I don't know who you mean but the girl with the bushy hair is my best friend Hermione Granger and the other girl is Katie Bell a good friend of mine and she plays in the Quidditch house team like me but she plays chaser and I play Seeker. Next, to her are Katie's parents. Why did you ask if I may ask?"
"Oh, my dear boy of course how rude of me to not say why. I saw Miss Bell walking into Quality Quidditch Supplies and was wondering if she was already playing Quidditch or was hoping to make the team. I was wondering if she wanted to play professionally because she looked very happy with her bags when she left. I have contact with the Holyhead Harpies. Does she already plays in her house team and how old is she if I may ask?"
"Really you know contact with the Holyhead Harpies?" Harry asked amazed and slightly disbelieve.
"Yes, my dear boy I have. When you are my age you know many people. So, what is her age?"
"She is in her fourth year so fourteen and to answer your earlier question she plays chaser in the Gryffindor house Quidditch team like I already said."
"Really that is too bad she is too young to scout now, but thank you for the information I would remember her and look in two or three years if she still likes to play and is good enough, please don't say that I was asking about her or that the Holyhead Harpies maybe interested my dear boy."
Even though Harry didn't like how she addressed them because called boy reminded him of his Uncle Vernon. Harry replied, "of course ma'am but I could assure you that Katie is playing brilliant certainly with the other two chasers, they work great together."
The old woman smiled and thank Harry for his time and let Harry return. The woman turned around and sighed happily that Harry believed her. She didn't hear Katie's name back in Flourish and Blotts and now she used this cover story. Tonks was also happy that she didn't completely lie. She is good friends with her fellow Auror Hestia Jones who was the niece of Gwenog Jones. Hestia and Gwenog were very close because the Jones family only had three members left. The third member was Megan Jones, the same year as Harry but in Hufflepuff.
Tonks had talked a lot with Hestia and also talked with Gwenog when she was also there. She even visits Gwenog when Hestia wasn't there with her so she didn't lie. Gwenog asked her if she knew good female Quidditch players for the future. She didn't then but now she maybe had something for the future. She shook her head this was a thought for another time, she was here to watch and if needed protect Harry (and Hermione). She hated her current disguise.
Hermione asked what took so long. Harry replied and said that Tom was busy and he needed to wait before he could place the order. Hermione interrupted Harry "but I saw you order and then talk to the old woman at the bar."
"Hermione, I asked Tom he said to wait a bit. The woman asked me what I would recommend to her and I told her. Tom asked with his back turned what he could get me, you, Katie and her parents. I gave him the order and said what I liked to the woman when she asked and ended with have a nice lunch."
Katie and her parents were almost laughing seeing Harry explaining his actions to a questioning Hermione. Hermione said, "oh okay then Harry". Hermione turned to Katie and her parents and continued talking with Katie and her parents about the upcoming year and in the short time that Harry was placing the order, they quickly discussed Sirius Black. Hermione noticed that Harry was done with the subject so she avoids talking about it in Harry's presence.
After lunch, Katie and her parents left Katie saying that she would see them on the train and otherwise in the common room or at the table in the great hall. Harry and Hermione went upstairs to see how Hedwig and Crookshanks were doing.
When they walk into Harry's room Crookshanks was jumping around the room while Hedwig looks at the young cat with an amused look in her eyes. Crookshanks looked around when the door opens and run towards them. He rubs his head against Hermione's leg and she smiled and picked him up.
Hedwig hoots greeting them and Harry walks towards Hedwig and gives her some bacon straps and Hedwig eats all but one. She grabs it and flies over towards Hermione. She lands on Hermione's shoulder and lets the last bacon strip drop towards Crookshanks and Crookshanks catches it and directly eats it. Hedwig then fly toward Harry and affectionately nibbled his ear.
Meanwhile downstairs a few minutes after Harry and Hermione went upstairs a family full of redheads enter through the floo. The first one is a man followed by a younger man obliviously his son. Then a boy followed by an identical one and then an even younger boy. Then a girl obliviously the youngest followed by her mother.
The mother quickly takes the girl's hand and walks followed by the men towards the back and enters Diagon Alley.
30th August 1993, Diagon Alley
The Weasley's enter Diagon Alley and Percy and the twins want to go their own way. Percy wants to go to Amanuensis Quills for some beautiful quills that Scribbulus Writing Instruments doesn't have. The twins want to go to Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop looking for some new jokes.
Mrs. Weasley forbids anyone from leaving the group. Their first stop is Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions to get Ginny four new robes and school clothes. Percy gets two new robes and one pair of school clothes because he is the new Head boy and the twins and Ron get one new robe each.
The boys go first and after that, Mr. Weasley takes them to Flourish and Blotts and Scribbulus Writing Instruments while Mrs. Weasley stays with Ginny who still needed to be measured before meeting up with the rest of the family at Slug Jiggers Apothecary to restock the student's potion-making kit.
After they were done at Slug Jiggers Apothecary and they went to get some other supplies from the Apothecary. Percy was allowed to go to Amanuensis Quills and the twins were allowed to go to the Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop but Percy and the twins needed to stay together.
Mrs. Weasley took Ron to the Potage's Cauldron Shop because he destroyed his last cauldrons in potions class last year. Meanwhile, Mr. Weasley went with Ginny to Sugarplum's Sweet Shop to get her some sweets and then was taking her to the Leaky Cauldron. Mr. Weasley noticed that Ginny stopped walking when they passed Quality Quidditch Supplies. Ginny walks up towards the window as she looks at the Firebolt. She watches it for a few more moments before she walks back to her father and continues towards the Leaky Cauldron.
30th August 1993, the Leaky Cauldron
Harry and Hermione went downstairs to wait for the Weasleys Ron didn't tell them when they would be here but it was almost dinner time and they suspected that they would be here before dinner. When they came downstairs, they went to sit at a table near the stairs that was not visible from both entrances but they had a clear view of both and also on the third entrance, the floo.
After nearly 30 minutes they see Mr. Weasley and Ginny walking before taking a seat and they don't see any of the other Weasleys. Harry stands up and walks towards Mr. Weasley and Ginny.
Harry says "good afternoon Mr. Weasley and to you too Ginny". Harry smiles especially at Ginny.
Ginny wouldn't look at him and started sobbing while thinking if he doesn't want to see me again why did he torture her with his presence the same goes for Hermione. Mr. Weasley turns around and says "Hello Harry and you must be Hermione Granger how are you both doing?"
Before Harry could answer Hermione answered, "Yes, I am Hermione Granger and we are both fine, right Harry?"
"Yes, Hermione I am fine, are you fine?"
"Of course, Harry. So, Mr. Weasley, we are both fine and it is a pleasure to meet you again."
Mr. Weasley looked relieved while Ginny couldn't bear to look at Harry or Hermione. Hermione noticed it and wanted to ask what was wrong but Mr. Weasley asks Harry if they can have a word alone. Harry agrees and walks back to the table he sat at before with Hermione.
Hermione asks "Ginny is something wrong?"
Ginny mumbled and Hermione asks if she can repeat that. Again, Ginny mumbled again and Hermione asks if Ginny can look at her when she replies. Ginny silently started crying but Hermione noticed it and hugs Ginny. Ginny is very confused she looks up at Hermione and sees a concerning face.
"Hermione, why are you hugging me? Don't you hate me for what happened?"
"Ginny I am hugging you because you were crying and could use one and I don't hate you for what happened. I know that you didn't do it willingly and you fought it for almost a year" Hermione replied while letting Ginny return to her seat and take a seat next to her.
"But Hermione if you don't hate me why didn't you return a response with Errol?"
"Oh, I wanted to Ginny but before I could write a response Errol took off and didn't return so I couldn't send a response."
"Really?" Ginny asked hoping that meant Hermione didn't hate her. If she didn't there was a chance that Harry also didn't hate her but he has Hedwig send a response but maybe just maybe it was just a misunderstanding that she didn't get a response.
"Really Ginny. I am sorry but I don't have an owl. Normally I can use Hedwig from Harry when I send my parents a letter."
"So, you really don't hate me?"
"No Ginny I tell you the truth. I also got a surprise for you. I learned last year that your birthday is on the 11th of August isn't it?"
"Yes, it is."
Ginny was happy if Hermione asked about her birthday and she had a surprise that means she got her a present right? And when someone gives you a birthday present that is not your family it is your friend right?
"Well, Ginny because I don't really know you, unfortunately. I wanted to give you a present but couldn't guess what, but then I thought you are the only daughter so all second-hand clothes you get are from the boys."
"So, I want to take you shopping tomorrow in muggle London because you got more choices there than in Diagon Alley. I will pay for the clothes and we can buy some clothes for you as a birthday present. Would you like that?"
Ginny squealed and hugged Hermione like Mrs. Weasley hugs Harry. Hermione smiled seeing the happy smile on Ginny's face. She knew three or four good stores which she liked and hoped Ginny liked them or at least one or two maybe three from them.
Ginny's squeal grabbed Mr. Weasley's attention and seeing her hugging Hermione he smiled and continued his conversation with Harry. Ginny sees her father talking with Harry and she decided to ask Hermione if Harry hates her.
"Hermione, I have a question?"
"No Ginny you can choose the clothes and I guess your mother wants to join us."
"I know but that wasn't what I want to ask you, Hermione." She looked at Harry still having a conversation with her father. "Hermione, does Harry hate me for almost killing you and him, not mentioning the other victims?"
"Of course, not Ginny, he doesn't hate you. Harry would never hate you for what happened. To be honest he blames himself for not stopping Ron from sending you away multiple times last year, but don't tell him I told you. He was with me all his free time when I was petrified and told me about how Ron sends you away sometimes and what he said."
"The time he returned after the chamber he sat by my bed and said and I quote 'it is all my fault, Hermione if I just said to Ron the truth that he shouldn't send Ginny away and should act like her older brother. Also, I should have at least tried to be her friend she may be Ron's little sister but I should have tried to know her for her. I know when people are not trying to know the real you. I hope she forgives me for not trying to be her friend or at least getting to know her. I try to do better next school year. I also think you could be good friends with her Hermione.'"
"That is what he said, he wanted to say more but Madam Pomfrey ushered Harry into a bed to examine him. I didn't see him when I woke up, the next time I saw him was three days later in the great hall after the exams."
"So, you are sure he doesn't hate me?"
"Yes, Ginny on the train ride home he said that if he blamed someone it was this Tom guy and himself and does not hate you or blame you."
Ginny looked shocked Harry told Hermione. "He, he … he told you?!"
"Yes, Ginny but don't worry I won't tell anyone and Harry would only tell me if he trusted me and I won't betray him and, in this case, you and your trust."
This calmed Ginny down and she trusted Harry's judgment in this case because he knew Hermione longer than her. She hoped that she and Hermione would get along and maybe that could be her first step to getting good girlfriends and hope to get her first-ever girlfriend back, Luna Lovegood.
She was interrupted from her thought when her father and Harry returned and Harry wanted to speak with Ginny in private and ask her to follow her upstairs.
While Hermione and Ginny were talking Harry and Mr. Weasley were also talking.
"Harry how are you doing I could understand if you have nightmares. Ginny has them and you look a bit tired do you sleep enough? Or do you don't sleep well and also have nightmares?"
Harry sighed he didn't want to talk about it but he good guessed that Mr. Weasley would say things like this and ask the same. If Harry's instincts weren't wrong Mr. Weasley will also talk about Sirius Black while seeing one of his last flashes not getting a headache.
"I am fine Mr. Weasley and to be honest I have a nightmare so I have trouble sleeping but if I still got problems in school, I will talk with Madam Pomfrey and to be completely honest I think if I talk to Ginny and know she is okay my nightmares would slowly leave me."
"Okay, Harry. Another thing is, do you know about Sirius Black escaping?"
"Yes, Mr. Weasley I heard. Why does the ministry catch him or know where he is?"
"No Harry but I felt to let you know as soon as I saw you that the DMLE thinks that he is after you. The minister and professor Dumbledore don't want to let you know but I think you had the right to know. Sirius Black was a spy working for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. There was even speculation that he was You-Know-Who right-hand man and the most loyal death eater, that is what You-Know-Who called his loyal followers. They think he is after you to kill you what his master failed to do. We think he thinks in killing you his master will rise again."
Harry remembered the talk with Amelia and replied almost the same.
"I know Sirius Black was a follower of Voldemort but Voldemort was afraid of Dumbledore so as a follower he should also be afraid. So, Sirius Black must be afraid of Dumbledore. Professor Dumbledore is the headmaster of Hogwarts so Dumbledore is close by I don't think Sirius Black is going to attack me in Hogwarts."
"I understand Harry but to make sure you are safe we will be picked up by cars from the ministry with Aurors on protection and escort duty when we leave to send you, Hermione, Percy, Fred, George, Ron and Ginny to school with the Hogwarts express... oh and before I forget my boss niece Susan Bones will go with us to King Cross Station."
Mr. Weasley wanted to continue but heard Ginny squealing and turned around and see her hugging Hermione. He smiled and turned around again.
"Harry I also heard that the guards heard in his sleep the last three days before he escaped, he was saying he is at Hogwarts, he also said it a couple of times when he was awake. So, we want to keep you safe. Please promise me that you try to stay out of trouble and don't go after him, Harry."
Harry looked at Mr. Weasley and said: "of course Mr. Weasley why would I go after someone who probably tries to kill me." Mr. Weasley smiles at that.
"Harry, I have a few more questions before we join the girls again. Okay?"
"Okay Mr. Weasley" Harry replied guessing it involved Ginny and his guess was almost confirmed because before continuing Mr. Weasley was sneaking a look at his daughter seeing her happy and smiling.
Mr. Weasley is happy seeing his daughter happy and if Amelia was right and she mostly was, Ginny would be even happier, but first, he needed to confirm it.
"Harry, I want to ask you a few questions and please be honest with me. First, do you blame Ginny?" Mr. Weasley holds up his hand and continued "please let me ask all the questions before answering."
Harry nodded and Mr. Weasley continued "Secondly if you do not blame her do you hate her for what happened or something else? Thirdly did you save her because she is the little sister of Ron and the twins? Next, do you have a present for Ginny I understand if you don't have one? Lastly, I like to know if you told anyone else about the chamber."
Harry sighed and started answering "No Mr. Weasley I do not hate or blame Ginny in any way. If I blame someone, I would be myself for not intervening with Ron or the diary. Ron didn't act like her old brother and I should have something about that to Ron about turning her away every time she came to him and calling her annoying among other things."
"Secondly I feel nothing bad against her just hoping she is doing well and not have any problems after the chamber. Thirdly I didn't save her because she is Ron's and the twin's little sister. I would do it for everyone but I will admit being the little sister from Ron and the twins didn't make it harder to think about doing it and I went like a Gryffindor no plan just saving her" Harry smiled a little bit.
"Mr. Weasley I bought Ginny two birthday presents because she deserved them after last year and I didn't get her anything for her birthday last year. And lastly, I told Hermione, Neville Longbottom, Susan Bones, and Amelia Bones. Of course, also professor McGonagall but you were present for that and you probably already know that I also told professor Dumbledore and I have the suspicion that Madam Pomfrey knows because of Professor McGonagall."
Mr. Weasley knew that Harry was speaking the truth and confirmed that what both he and Amelia thought was correct he blames himself and not even in the smallest way Ginny it seems.
"Harry thank you for your honesty should we return to the girls?"
"Yes, Mr. Weasley."
Harry suddenly had a question he could better ask now. "Uh, Mr. Weasley is it okay if I take Ginny to my room for a few minutes maybe with Hermione to talk to her and give her the presents I got her?"
Mr. Weasley sees the honesty in his face and said "Sure Harry but don't stay too long Molly would not like that if you stay too long away if she finds out."
When they returned Harry asked, "Ginny could you please follow me upstairs to my room I want to talk to you in private."
Ginny looked less surprised than when Hermione talked to her "sure Harry."
"Hermione do you also want to come upstairs so we can talk?"
"No need Harry I can talk to her tomorrow when we are shopping after lunch, right Ginny?"
Ginny replied smiling "of course Hermione."
Harry shrugged and Ginny followed Harry. When they reached his door, Harry opened it and they walk in. Ginny sees Crookshanks lying on Harry's bed sleeping and asks "who is that cat Harry I thought your pet was Hedwig?"
"Well Hedwig isn't really my pet she is more, my first friend, in the wizarding world and she is always with me." When he said that Hedwig hoots happily and flies toward him land on his shoulder and nibs his ear. Harry continued "the cat's name is Crookshanks and is Hermione's cat. The cat is part kneazle but because Hermione's room is right next door she didn't want to let her cat alone and because the cat is young she doesn't want to follow it around or the other way around so she asked if I could keep it in my room so Hedwig could keep him company."
"Oh okay. What do you want to talk to me about Harry?"
"Ginny first I want to wish you a very happy birthday I got you a present but because you were in Egypt, I didn't send it so I will give it to you in person."
"You really got me a present?" Ginny asked shocked.
"Of course, Ginny. Here you go."
Ginny sees a present gift wrapped. She opens it and sees that it is from her favourite Quidditch team, the Holyhead Harpies. It was the latest book she wanted sooooooo bad. The book was so popular that normally only the Quidditch shop would sell that kind of book, but this was so popular that every bookstore and Quidditch shop is selling it. She hoped that she had enough money but now it didn't matter. She jumps at Harry and hugs him. The hug reminded him of Mrs. Weasley's hugs but he still tensed up a little bit and was expecting something. When Ginny let go of Harry he wasn't relaxing just when he sees Ginny with a concerning look, he relaxes.
"Is everything alright Harry?" Ginny asked with concern.
Harry thinks quickly and responds with "yes I just didn't expect to get hugged. But I got one more present could you please close your eyes?"
Ginny closes her eyes and hears Harry walking to his trunk and searching in it. Harry looks to his trunk searching for it he moves around the books, the fangs and there in the corner are two boxes he opens them both and the left one contains Ginny's bracelet and grabs the box. He closes the third box and puts that one back.
He grabs the second box and said open your eyes. She looks at the box and sees a beautiful bracelet, a gold bracelet with ruby stones (a/n the same as Hermione but with ruby stones instead of emerald). She squealed out so loud that probably everybody in the Leaky Cauldron could hear it and there was a chance that even the muggles could hear it if the room didn't contain a silencing spell put up by Tom at Harry's request. Harry was certain the silencing spell almost broke if it didn't.
Harry smiled at Ginny's smile and helped Ginny put the bracelet on. Harry told Ginny that the bracelet protects her from any kind of possession, protecting the mind and mind control like the Imperius Curse and would be less effective but it could still control her but if her will is strong enough, she could shake it off easier with the bracelet on.
Harry said, "Ginny I wanted to know how you are doing after last year."
"Harry may I first ask you a few questions?"
"Sure, Ginny what are your questions?"
"Firstly, do you blame me?"
"No Ginny and I also don't hate you. You were very strong keeping Tom off for almost a whole year more experienced wizards and witches were probably easier fooled and would have lost to the diary much sooner and certainly hadn't had the strength to hold out that long or even had the strength to throw it away when they become scared of the diary or didn't trust the diary in any other way. Yet you did and even then when you knew I had it, you tried to protect me to take it from me without concern for your own well-being."
"Really Harry?"
"Yes, Ginny I mean every word! You are a strong and great person." Harry ended with a smile which makes Ginny blush and smile at the same time so Harry doesn't notice the blush, but he did notice the smile.
"Secondly did you tell it anyone else than Hermione?"
"Yes, Ginny but it trusts them."
"Please just tell me who Harry" Ginny got nervous. She trusted Harry but still, she needed to know who knows. If Harry trusted them so could she at least she hoped.
"Okay, but let me explain Ginny." Ginny nodded and Harry continued "I told Hermione of course, Professor McGonagall you were there. Also, Professor Dumbledore and I suspected that Professor McGonagall told Madam Pomfrey so she could treat you and me the best way possible."
Ginny wanted to say something but Harry stopped with "I am sorry but there are more people. I also told Neville Longbottom you know him, right? My year, he is shy and a good friend he helped me sneaking in into the Slytherin common room and before you ask what I mean ask Hermione what the plan was she knows and ask why she couldn't help if she wants to talk about it."
Ginny again wanted to say something. Harry simply said "not done. I guess that your family knows?" Ginny nodded and Harry sighed and continues "There are two other people that know. Those people are Susan Bones and her Aunt Amelia Bones director of the DMLE and the boss of your father."
Ginny was confused, scared, angry and reduced to tears. He told the director of the DMLE that she attacked wizards and witches even if she did it unwillingly. She was staring at the door and expecting every moment that Aurors would burst through and arrested her and she would directly send her to Azkaban or worse forget about anything and lose her family. She could never forgive him and he just gave her those things how could he. Harry saw that she was scared and started crying watching the door and Harry understand what she was thinking while starting to feel pain from her crying like it does when Hermione starts to cry if he is the cause.
"Ginny?" Harry asked. Ginny didn't hear him lost in her thoughts. "Ginny?" Harry asked again this time she hears him but ignores him. "Ginny please look at me" Harry almost pleaded.
Ginny couldn't resist the pleading tone. Harry sees her crying, teary eyes and he could almost feel his heartbreak and he got two flashbacks one was last year Ginny crying in her father's arms in Professor McGonagall's office.
The other was seeing Hermione crying and running past them after Ron's comment. The flashback goes directly over to after the Troll incident when he and Hermione were the only ones in the common room that night and Hermione hugged Harry crying and thanked him for saving her and she was crying breaking also his heart.
Hermione fell asleep around three in the morning and was still clinging to Harry. Harry never fell asleep that night, but they had a double history of magic the next day so he slept in there while Hermione was well-rested from the few hours she had slept. Hermione never brought it up even when she woke up clinging herself to Harry and was clinging even tighter when she woke up for a few seconds until she recognized Harry and quickly let go.
Back in the present Harry sees tears falling from Ginny's eyes those beautiful eyes. They were brighter than Hermione's darker brown beautiful eyes. They were alike but different and both beautiful. Harry was shocked by his own discovery but shook his head to clear his thoughts.
"Ginny you don't have to worry I would not have told Amelia Bones and that includes Susan Bones if I didn't trust them. Amelia Bones wasn't convinced that you were to blame or guilty of the attacks. After my story, she was convinced that it wasn't your fault and even if she thought it was, I would have made sure you were safe and would not let you be falsely accused. And you would be because I know that it wasn't your fault." Harry ended with a small smile.
Ginny's tears dried up slowly and the anger disappeared. Harry's presence and words were enough to not feel scared anymore. Harry's presence and words made her feel safe now. She was still confused "if you know that I would worry, then why did you tell me that you told them?"
"Ginny, I wanted to be honest with you. Susan also didn't blame you from the first moment the rumour mill from Hogwarts got to the point that you were to blame, but don't worry everybody doesn't believe it and if someone does just send them to me I would let them 'gently' know the truth" Harry said with the biggest smile she had ever seen on Harry's face and she watched him a lot last year, so that is saying something. He gave her a wink at the end of his sentence and that makes her look like a tomato.
Harry slowly put his right hand on Ginny's left hand, the hand with the bracelet. Ginny looks at Harry's hand and sees the bracelet. She gave Harry a small smile and understands Harry.
"Thank you, Harry, I understand. I also want to thank you for your honesty."
Meanwhile downstairs Hermione and Mr. Weasley were having a conversation where Mr. Weasley apologized for ignoring her almost completely last year in Flourish and Blotts when he went straight to her parents, while Mrs. Weasley greeted Hermione. Hermione accepted the apologies even though she said it was unnecessary because she understands the fascination for the other world if it is muggle to magical or in Mr. Weasley's case magical to muggle.
Mr. Weasley asked for the purpose of a football. Hermione explains the sport but halfway the backdoor opens and the rest of the Weasley's enter. Mrs. Weasley quickly greeted and hugged Hermione. Percy politely greeted Hermione because she reminds him of himself. After all, Hermione was a firm believer in the rules and only broke them because of Harry and Ron. Also, Hermione cared about her grades as he did.
The twins greeted her enthusiastically and asked her how she was after last year. Ron only greeted her and ask her how she was but he didn't even wait for the answer and directly asked her if she knew Harry needed someone to pick him up. Mr. Weasley was to say something but Harry and a very happy Ginny came down. Harry advised Ginny to hide her bracelet so she did.
Ron ran towards Harry and asked him what he was doing here and why he didn't respond. He told him honestly, he forgot and told him and the Weasley his story of how he got here. He didn't tell the Weasleys about the dog, Hermione's and his misunderstanding or anything else. He only told that he ran away from the Dursleys for the remainder of this summer, the letter he got from the Weasley's, Sirius Black and today.
They ordered dinner and after Harry returned to his room, Hermione was with him and grabbed Crookshanks and went to her room. The Weasleys were dividing the rooms between the children and for once Ginny got a small room next to her parents' room on the left and the twins on the right with Ron and Percy shared the room across from the twins. Five doors down (two to the corner and three rooms past the corner) on Percy and Ron's side were first Hermione's and then Harry's room.
Here I end the story I think it was time to get another character in the story (Katie Bell). In the next chapter will Crookshanks be accused of attacking and trying to kill Scabbers. Ginny and Hermione become closer and find something out about each other. Can you guess what? (PM me with your answer) And maybe the train ride depends on word count.
Please review or PM me with your thoughts about the story and like always if you have ideas for this story or if you want me to write a story about Harry Potter just let me know.
I will try to reload all the chapters between X-mas and NYE without language or grammatical errors that I can find.