Chapter 23 Hogsmeade trip, watched and much candy

16th October 1993, (outskirts) Hogsmeade

A black dog was from the outskirts of Hogsmeade looking at the group of students with Aurors walking down the road from Hogwarts. The dog was looking for raven hair that he remembered from one of his best friends if not his best. He couldn't see it but hoped that he just couldn't see it from this range or if he wasn't with the group he would come later.

A few minutes later the group has entered Hogsmeade and he was walking closer to the bar where most students go, the Three Broomsticks. The dog suddenly smelled a scent from long ago and then he saw her, his old head of house Professor McGonagall. He was in the shadow of a house and gave a small whine. He may have caused mischief but he really liked Professor McGonagall or Minnie when she came to visit little Harry or just needed to get away from Hogwarts and duties as deputy Headmistress.

Suddenly the dog known as Padfoot but was actually Sirius Black smelled the faint scent of Harry Potter. He followed the scent and sees as a girl with bushy hair that was with Harry in Daigon Alley.

He gave a smile and thought 'did Harry already bag himself a girlfriend? She is probably the smartest witch of her year, Potter men were someway always drawn to smart women like James had Lily and Charlus had aunt Dorea both were in the top spots of their year, well Lily was in mostly first except in Transfiguration and study of ancient runes that was James after his OWL and sometimes Moony was first in other classes. Lily was certainly the smartest, aunt Dorea was probably not the smartest but was certainly in one of the top spots. He remembered Aunt Dorea talking about it she was always fighting with Minnie and Poppy over who was better in most classes.'

He whined about not helping Harry with his first (one of many he was sure unless he was like James but still Harry's first) girlfriends and his best friend and best friend's parents who were his aunt and uncle that had died. He had an uplifting thought that he could still help Harry with his second, third or fourth wife after he found the bloody cowardly rat, Pettigrew. Sirius somehow felt that this girl will never leave Harry. Why? He didn't know.

Sirius decided to follow the girl if Harry would come here he will probably meet up with her.

16th October 1993, Hogsmeade

Sirius has followed this girl for a long time but it was getting late and she hasn't seen Harry. Sirius thought 'was I wrong about her being Harry's girlfriend? Maybe they are only friends, but why didn't she go to see him?'

Sirius sees that one guy with red hair is always around her but they seem to be arguing or maybe better said fighting. Then there was a guy that reminded him of Frank Longbottom. He whined when he remembered his cousin Bellatrix screaming about what she did in a few cells away from him. However, she wasn't screaming because she was crazy she was screaming in agony to someone to forgive her for what she had done and for death to claim her which slowly turned to crazy screams, but hoping somewhere there was still his cousin Bella.

The guy was trying to avoid the fighting between the girl and the redhead. He didn't try to stop it, maybe he didn't want to try. Suddenly he heard from the girl "we should go to Honeydukes again. Ron ate all the candy even though half was for Harry."

Apparently, Ron said "it isn't my fault he couldn't go and that he couldn't get himself some candy. I want to get some for Scabbers but your monster (pointing at Hermione) ate him, so now I am eating for Scabbers too."

Hermione said, "Crookshanks didn't eat him."

Ron screamed back "yes he did."

Hermione said firmly "no he didn't and you still shouldn't have eaten Harry's candy. I don't have enough galleons to buy the same thing and you already used all your money on candy and when you didn't have enough I lend you 2 Galleons. I had 10 galleons to spend this year and I only have 1 Galleon, 11 Sickles and 3 Knuts left while Harry gave me 4 galleons to buy him candy."

Ron said, "if you didn't buy those books and quill you would still have enough left."

Hermione said "I wanted these books and the beautiful quill. You should not have eaten Harry's candy."

Ron said, "Harry never eats that much and I was hungry."

Hermione ignored Ron and said, "come on Neville."

Neville nodded and followed Hermione quickly. Hermione thought 'Ron was the same as he was in the Leaky Cauldron earlier this year when Harry got a present from Bill and Charlie. I wonder why Harry is friends with this stupid git?"

Sirius sees them walk towards Honeydukes with a confused looking Ron quickly following them. Sirius started to walk away when again he smells Harry but even more faint this time and barely noticeable. Sirius turns around to follow the smell and tries to stay in the shadows. He follows it until he is near the road that went to Hogwarts. He smells and smiles another scent he recognizes. He looks around and sees the pink-haired Auror he never has seen before but why does he recognize her smell?

Sirius shook his head and started to focus on Harry's smell. He sees three girls with two redheads and the redheads are definitely twins. They were talking with each other when the youngest girl said: "I hope Harry like the candy I bought him."

One of the older girls said "I think Harry will love that you bought him some. I think he would love the candy."

The younger girl said "I hope so he was so sad when Professor McGonagall stopped him because he hasn't gotten his slip signed. He tried to slip by but Professor McGonagall saw him."

The twins liked they wanted to say something but before they could say something the two oldest girls gave them a glare which reminded Sirius of Lily, Amelia, and Alice when respectively James, me or Frank were doing something or saying something we shouldn't do.

Sirius smelled the scent becoming stronger when three other girls joined the group and the redhead reminded him of Amelia as the hair colour was almost the same. Sirius almost turned back to his human form when he remembered her, this must be Susan Bones Amelia's niece and Harry's …..

If Sirius was human now you would see a huge grin. Harry would be a lucky man if Susan continues growing like now. He was feeling a bit creepy but he couldn't deny at her age Susan had a mature body and a pretty face, but when he saw Susan he started thinking about Amelia and Susan slowly changed into a young Amelia a few years older than Susan now was. He remembered when he was the last half-year in Auror (or better said hit wizard) training and saw her every day and when he saw her almost a month ago she still looked beautiful like she hasn't aged a day in the last 12 years.

Sirius smelled Harry coming closer and when he looked around he saw that girl coming back with both boys and he knew he needed to return to the caves just a bit more than a mile away from Hogsmeade and from there he had a lookout position over Hogsmeade and the Dementors that patrolled through the town at night time and patrolling the Hogwarts Border all the day.

Sirius thought 'I need to make my move fast. If Scabbers in the rat Pettigrew, then he may be on the run for me or the part kneazle Crookshanks and he may attack Harry I need to find him fast. The sooner I find him the sooner I can get my revenge and the trial I should have had. I failed James and Lily but I want to make it right. I need to do it right.'

16th October 1993, Hogwarts Castle (earlier that same day)

Harry was walking back a bit disappointed he hoped he could slip by Professor McGonagall but he should know better. He remembered talking with her about his parents but neither he nor Professor McGonagall had the time. Harry had more homework that wasn't that difficult but it took much time (writing essays and doing research) even though arithmancy was elementary school math and he even understands advanced math in elementary school even though he didn't follow it but hide in the library from Dudley's gang and read those books on advanced math.

Harry has an affinity with runes according to Professor Babbling and he remembered that both his parents took the study of ancient runes maybe that was why. However, he couldn't talk to Professor McGonagall outside class even if he had a question (not that he had any) she almost didn't have time when he had time, especially with Wood wanting to win the Quidditch house cup and planning even more training than his the last two years. Normally it was 2 or 3 now it was 4 if it was possible which barely was with everyone's schedule and sometimes one or two missed practice because they didn't have the time or needed to rest. Finally earlier this week we had enough and Oliver promised not more than 3 times a week because we are already in top form.

Harry thought 'maybe I got time now to talk to Professor McGonagall. I hope also the training won't drag out too long or be too brutal because after every training so far I was half dead that when I hit my bed I would fall asleep. Thanks to Dobby I didn't miss all the Saturday dinners because the training on Saturday afternoon was brutal even more than the others in the afternoon/ evening.'

Harry has reached the Great Hall and saw that Ginny had come down and went to take a seat next to her that was open. Ginny first didn't notice until she saw some of her year mates and first years almost with open mouths staring at her. She thought it was because of last year but why would the first year look at her that way then, they weren't here and it wasn't in the Daily Prophet or something similar. She tried to ignore them when she suddenly felt somebody right behind her and she turns around and sees Harry Potter sitting right next to her.

Harry sees Ginny looking at him and says "hey Ginny how are you doing today?"

Ginny is shocked, sure they spoke but only when Ron or Hermione was with him and now here he was without anybody else. Ginny answered "h-hey H-Ha-Harry. I a-am do-doi-doing fine how a-ab-about you?"

Harry rolled his eyes without Ginny noticing and said "I am okay even though I didn't get my slip signed so I can't go to Hogsmeade unfortunately."

Ginny just nodded not trusting her voice almost happy he couldn't go. 'So maybe we can spend time together just Harry and me' Ginny thought while feeling a little bit guilty.

Harry asked, "Ginny if you have other plans? I don't mind."

Ginny immediately stuttered "n-no I di-didn't have any-anything else pla-planned but n-need to do m-my hom-homework."

Harry said "ah" but disappointedly "oh okay, maybe another time."

Ginny said, "no Harry, maybe y-you could-d he-help me?"

Harry smiled at her and said "sure, want to do it immediately after breakfast or after lunch?"

Ginny gave a smile and said "I-imm-immed-immediately."

Harry nodded and said "okay. I will go to the library and see you there."

Harry stood up and walks out of the great hall. The first and second years looked at her in awe that THE Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived wanted to do homework with Ginny and if needed help her. Nobody noticed two blonde-haired girls one from Slytherin and one from Ravenclaw were watching Harry and Ginny when they were talking and Harry leaving the Great Hall.

Ginny went to eat quickly and that was the first time you would see that Ron was related to her. However, will Ron looked like a pig she was still eating like she normally would but the way how fast she was eating that showed why she was related to Ron. Less than five minutes later she got up and said goodbye to her year mates and a few first years she sometimes talked with like Demelza Robbins, half-blood, wanted to be a chaser just like her and was also a fan like Ginny of the Holyhead Harpies the only all-female team in the British and Irish Quidditch League.

16th October 1993, Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts

Harry was just walking downstairs with his bag of books including the familiar, goblin, snake and house-elves books. He was close to helping Medusa but not right there yet. Harry visits her a few times and during his time in the chamber, he also invited Dobby because he couldn't find the kitchen and didn't know if elves were allowed to tell. Sure he was Dobby's master, but Dobby still worked in Hogwarts. Medusa was now fully healed and hunting spiders while Dobby was happily working in the kitchen.

Harry was thinking when he saw Ginny running into the Common Room. Harry said "oh Ginny. Were you almost done eating when I sat next to you? I could have waited for you."

Ginny blushed a bit and just nodded when he asked her if she was almost done when he sat next to her earlier. Harry didn't notice the blush, he just thought she was red from running from the Great Hall seven floors up to the Common Room. Harry said, "go get your books I will wait here."

Ginny nodded again and rushed upstairs to the second-year girls' dorm. She returned just a few minutes later with a bag that contained her books but it was a bit worn. They went to the library together but nothing was said. Ginny was afraid she would stutter again and Harry was thinking about if Snape maybe had some of the potion ingredients he would need for the potion to complete a bond with a familiar in his cause with Hedwig.

16th October, Hogwarts Library, Hogwarts

After five minutes they were in the library. Harry walked to almost the back and take a seat at the table where Hermione mostly sit. You can almost see the entrance and are almost at the back of the library but most students don't go so far in the library and certainly not to that corner. It is also in a corner where it is quiet even when the library is 'crowded' and has good light from the window. You can also talk freely in the corner because Madam Price is too far away to hear you and if she comes closer you see her soon enough for her before she can hear you.

Harry and Ginny sit and grab their books. Harry grabs his study of ancient runes book. He likes the class and he thinks he needs to thank Professor McGonagall, but then thinks no I like the class but I need to let it drop if uncle Vernon finds out the beating will be worse than last time uncle Vernon said so. I'm not certain about Arithmancy it looks like math and I liked it enough in primary school without uncle Vernon knowing. Maybe I can follow both without uncle Vernon knowing that I like them. No, no, no I mustn't.

Harry shook out of his thoughts when Ginny stuttered and almost shouted "Ha-Harry c-could y-you he-help me wi-with tran-transfi-transfiguration?"

Ginny almost shouted because she didn't know what to do and was very nervous being alone with Harry without Hermione or Neville and fortunately without Ron. She loves her family even the prat Ron and prat Percy but Ron every time wants her to go away, sure he didn't say it but she sees it in his eyes and Ron only didn't say anything (or wasn't understandable) because he was always stuffing his mouth when she seats with them during breakfast, lunch or dinner because of the year difference she wasn't with them in class or walking to class with them.

'Ron didn't say it because the first time this year Harry wanted me to stay with him on the train and said Ron had to deal with it otherwise he should leave. Ron didn't but I felt Ron look the whole ride at me after the dementor attack saying to me leave now. It was a bit awkward because if I told him and he says he didn't and I say yes you did there was a big change that Ron's temper made him scream to me that I was lying and I don't know if Harry would trust Ron or me. Probably Ron though and I didn't want to be sent away so I said nothing, but that doesn't matter now. Harry and I are here without Ron' Ginny thought happily even though they were in the library.

Ginny was shaking out of her thought when she heard Harry say "Ginny, Ginny. Ginny, did you hear what I just said?"

Ginny says "so-sorry Ha-Harry was a bit l-lost in thou-thoughts?"

Harry gave a smile and said "what thoughts?"

Ginny said, "how bet-better this y-year is then last so far like fr-friends and p-p-people ta-talking to me in-inclu-including Fred and George."

Harry gave a grim smile and said: "yes except for the dementors."

Ginny only nodded, but said "st-still be-better."

Harry says "well let's get back. As I was saying in transfiguration it is not only important that you use the right incantation and wand movement but also about intent like it is with charms and defence against the dark arts I think. With every spell, charm, curse and more intent matters. However, the wand movement and incantation are still an important part of a transfiguration."

Harry looked in her book and said: "is it Spongify charm?"

Ginny nodded heavily and Harry started "the Spongify is to make an object turn into rubber but keep the shape of the object unchanged. It is useful ….."

After a couple of hours of helping Ginny with transfiguration, charms, and defence against the dark arts essays and charms and spells. Harry decided to leave some small mistakes in it (except in defence against the dark, he just couldn't let the mistakes stay) that would give her a solid EE or a small O. Harry said: "Ginny I think you should let Hermione look at the essay's to she is better at spotting wrong assumptions and other mistakes, but it looks good. I am certain Hermione would help you if you ask and want it."

Ginny said, "okay th-thank you Ha-Harry, I will ask."

Harry said "good. Look it is lunchtime we should better go and get some lunch? Oh that reminds me if you need help with herbology I think Neville could help you better than me, he is really good at it."

Ginny answered "yes l-let's g-get lunch. I w-will a-ask Ne-Neville if I ne-need h-help."

Harry nodded and started packing his bag as did Ginny. A girl with blonde hair was watching them. She watched them and smiled thinking 'maybe her dream will still happen and even my dream can. They just need to watch out for Wrackspurts.'

16th October 1993, Great Hall, Hogwarts

Harry and Ginny were just entering the great hall after bringing the bags with books to their common room when they saw the almost deserted Great Hall. Harry thought 'even with Black on the loose and the dementors just outside Hogwarts most parents let them go to Hogsmeade like nothing is wrong at least that is something that didn't change. It is better than keeping all the students inside because of the fear of Black.'

Harry and Ginny took a seat halfway at their house table where a few first and second years sat. They didn't speak on their way from the library to Gryffindor tower and back to the Great Hall. Harry was in thought about Medusa and Sirius Black.

Harry thought 'maybe Medusa can find Black if he is nearing the school or tried to enter the school grounds? No, it is impossible if Medusa is seen, Medusa will be mostly be attacked and tried to be killed.'

Ginny was happy enough walking with Harry even if it was in silence almost blushing the whole time without Harry noticing. However Ginny wants to talk otherwise they will not become better friends but at first lunch, maybe after that ask if Harry wants to do something fun like flying now there is no training because it is Hogsmeade weekend.

With all her brothers in Hogsmeade, she can fly without her mother knowing. She loves her mother but her mother always told her what a proper lady does and flying was not one of them, her mother never knew that Ginny started to sneak out at night to fly when she was six years old and took each of their brooms out in turns. If only her brothers let her play when they went and played quidditch at the burrow, she would show them. Ginny hoped she could try for the Gryffindor Quidditch team but she didn't have a good broom, the best broom the Weasley's had been two Cleansweep fives and those we used by her brothers.

Harry and Ginny were done with lunch at the same time. Ginny said "Ha-Harry may I tr-try your broom?"

Harry looked and asked, "you fly?"

Ginny nodded with a smile and a small blush. "I u-used to sn-sneak ou-out and fly wi-with one of my bro-brothers brooms," Ginny said, slowly getting more confident.

She quickly added "but no-nobody f-from my fam-family knows not e-even m-my mom. Please don't tell Fred, George, Ron or Percy especially not Ron or Percy they will tell my mom."

Harry had joy in his eyes thinking about a younger Ginny sneaking out of the Burrow and breaking into the broom shed and flying. His face fell because Madam Hooch told the Quidditch teams that you can only fly for practice and the matches and not outside of that.

Harry said "I would love to let you try my nimbus 2000 but Madam Hooch said that we are not allowed to fly outside only for practice and if we have a match of course. I am sorry."

Ginny's face fell because she didn't have another idea to spend time with Harry. Sure she would love to try his nimbus 2000. Ginny wanted to let Harry see she was good at flying, maybe not as good as Harry but surely good enough. Madam Hooch said last year before Halloween that she was one of the best flyers she has ever seen in the last couple of years. Ginny wanted to impress Harry or at least show him that they both love the same thing, well at least one of them: flying.

Harry said, "why don't we go to the common room and play exploding snap or we could just talk."

Ginny's face went from crestfallen to a large smile go fast you think she would have torn a muscle. Ginny nodded and immediately got up and almost ran for the common room. Harry had trouble keeping up with her and he had been running every morning and was running less if he had Quidditch practise the same day. Wood was dead set on winning the Quidditch Cup this year, his last year. Sure everyone wanted to win but the practice was sometimes nothing less than brutal especially after Wood agreed to only train 3 times a week. The practice was Tuesday evening, Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon with Saturday being the longest and mostly the hardest practice of them all. With the new curfew, the evening practice wasn't very long.

After just a few minutes they reached the fat lady. Ginny almost shouted "Oddsbodikins" which was the password.

16th October 1993, Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts

Harry and Ginny entered the common room which was almost empty only a few first years were working on some homework at the table which was mostly used by upper years. The first years looked up and saw both Harry a third year and Ginny a second year and thought 'we need to leave so they can use this place.'

However, when the first years started to pick up their stuff Harry just went to sit on the couch watching the flames in the fireplace and Ginny went to sit next to him. The first years decided to stay because normally if the upper years used it they went to get their books but this third and second year didn't.

An hour later the first years did leave as they went to the library because they needed information that wasn't in the book. Hermione had told every second and first year that not all information (especially the history of magic and potions) was in their class books. Because most upper years agreed with Hermione after they thought about it, the first and second years mostly went to the library to get more information especially if they missed a few inches or more for their required homework but only if they missed the length they were after all Gryffindor's, not Ravenclaws.

Harry and Ginny were talking and playing exploding snaps. Harry told everything about Hogwarts and how his classes were going especially the new electives. He didn't say he liked them and stayed indifferent. Harry didn't want to say he liked them because if Uncle Vernon found out he liked some classes in Hogwarts the beating would be worse than when he liked a class in elementary school. Harry tells Hermione almost everything as long as it doesn't is about his childhood or living with the Dursley and now Ginny knows at least two-thirds of what Hermione knows. However, what Hermione knows of Harry isn't much and Ginny knows even less especially from his life outside of Hogwarts.

Harry asked how it was to grow up with six brothers. Ginny talked about how it is to grow up with six brothers, being the youngest and being the only girl. Ginny was still stuttering a bit and sometimes almost shouted or was barely whispering and even though Harry found it a little bit too much he was happy that slowly the stuttering became less.

Ginny also started to show a bit more confidence even though she still stared most times, mostly when Harry was not looking or prepended to listen while she just used it to stare at him. She was still nervous around Harry but at least she didn't put her elbow in a butter dish again and except for the stuttering and the staring she did nothing ….. tooo embarrassing.

After a few hours, Harry looks out of the window and sees that it is getting dark or at least getting darker than it already was because of the dementors. Harry looks for the time and sees it is almost time for dinner and asks "Ginny I think we should go to the Great Hall dinner is about to start soon."

Ginny nods and said "o-okay H-Harry."

They both stand up from the couch which they took when they came in and together walk out of the Gryffindor Common Room.

16th October 1993, Just outside the Great Hall, Hogwarts

On the way down Harry was thinking that he had a fun time with Ginny and finally got to know her better and even know something her brothers didn't even know. He should have done this last year or at least try, but he at least fulfilled the promise he made to himself earlier this year to get to know Ginny. Hermione also did it, even better and sooner than him but now he did and they were now taking the first steps of friendship.

Harry and Ginny were just a few feet from the Great Hall when they heard "Harry."

They turn around and see Hermione with Neville and Ron although Ron looked hungry at the bag of candy Hermione had in her hand. Hermione had Neville between the bag with candy and Ron was a wise move if you believe the look on Ron's face that both Harry and Ginny believe.

Hermione said while handing Harry the bag "I couldn't get you more because Ron ate all the candy even the one I got for you and I didn't have enough money to replace it. I am so sorry."

Harry smiles and said "It doesn't matter Hermione. I am just glad that you got me some candy."

Ginny and Hermione after she gave the bag to Harry glared at Ron who was oblivious to that, Neville on the other hand did and took a few steps away from Ron if the girls were going to hex Ron because with those eyes they could very well do that.

However, before anything could happen they heard someone else say "Harry."

They all looked in the direction of the voice and saw the three chasers from the Gryffindor team who were with the Weasley twins. Katie was a few steps in front of the chasers and twins and said: "Harry I thought I could get you some candy and broom polish because your nimbus can use some after the dreaded weather Wood has us training in."

Harry smiled and grabbed the other bag and said "thank you, Katie. How much did it cost?"

Katie understands Harry wanted to pay her back and said "no worries Harry it is a gift and I got enough for the other visits. I just thought you would like it."

Katie was worried that he didn't like it mostly because Hermione also gave him some candy.

Hermione saw the worry on Katie's face and came to her rescue when she said: "Harry loves it don't you Harry?"

Harry immediately nodded and said, "yes thank you my broom polish was almost empty but now I got enough to last until the summer at least and I like the candy." Harry smiled again when he saw how big the jar with broom polish was.

The chasers and the twins walked into the Great Hall and Harry, Hermione, Neville, Ron, and Ginny wanted to follow when they heard again "Harry, could you wait a minute?"

Harry looks to the source of the voice and sees Susan who looks really good in muggle clothes walk towards Harry with Hannah beside her. Harry didn't really notice it in the summer when he saw Susan but now he saw it clearly when glanced at Hermione and noticed the same, Hermione does look good in her muggle clothes. Hermione and Ginny noticed Hannah watches Neville more than Harry and were pleased for Neville. Ginny was also pleased for one girl less interested in Harry and for some reason Hermione thought the same and was a bit shocked she thought like that.

Susan says "Harry when I saw you this morning when you couldn't go to Hogsmeade I thought you may like some candy. I don't get much but I hope you like it. After Victoria Auntie gave me less to use on Hogsmeade I hope you don't mind?"

Harry smiles and replied "no I don't mind Susan. I didn't ask you to get it so I am happy about the surprise. How much did it cost?"

Susan gave Harry the bag and answered: "no Harry it is a gift I don't need the money but if you want to pay me back how about lunch here on the grounds?"

Ginny and Hermione both stepped forward. Ginny saw where this was going and so was Hermione.

Hermione heard in her mind what sounded like Ginny "nice try Bones but that is not going to work. I am not letting you get 'my' Harry that easy."

Ginny heard at the same time vaguely what sounded like Hermione "not going to happen Susan, but why do I mind? Doesn't Harry deserve happiness?"

Harry looked awkwardly at Susan and said: "I… Don't …. Do you…"

Ginny said while looking at Susan, "maybe Hermione can help you next time you are in Hogsmeade?"

Hermione said "yes Ginny you are right, no worries Harry I got a plan. Next Hogsmeade visit I will take Susan and Hannah to give them lunch in the three broomsticks and if you pay for it I would just like if you did it."

Susan looks disappointed and wanted to go against it but got dragged away by Hannah while Hannah was shaking her head.

Harry said, "thank you, Hermione, Ginny."

They both gave Harry a radiant smile. Hermione was shocked by her smile and her actions regarding Harry and the other girls except for Ginny somehow. In the last few weeks, she never felt sad when Ginny was around Harry and sometimes when Katie was around Harry. Sometimes she was sad if Katie was around Harry but she sure was sad and almost mad if other girls were around and talking to Harry which shocks her, but mostly because of her feelings.

Ginny was okay with Hermione and Katie but not the other girls she felt they were trying to take her Harry away. Sure she knew Harry wasn't hers and only a friend but she knew that with enough time she could capture Harry's heart and maybe with the help of a friend like Hermione and/ or Katie they could capture Harry's giant heart and let no one else get a piece if Hermione and Katie wanted to help her. She got one more person to help her but she was feeling very guilty and hadn't tried to speak to her yet with everything that happened last year, the need to reread the first year's books, looking at Quidditch practise trying to learn something about chaser (and a bit of seeker) skills, the talks with McGonagall and the course load, she didn't have the time or courage to do so.

'Bloody Gryffindor I am' Ginny thought every day she didn't dare to talk to Luna Lovegood. She was feeling guilty that she didn't play with her anymore after her mother died and wasn't even at the funeral while she liked Luna's mom. Her mother didn't let her go, nobody in her family went. The Lovegoods were the nearest magical family living with the Weasley's.

Suddenly she thought back to where she remembered Luna and her both marrying Harry and sharing him. She was blushing but was okay with it she even started imaging Katie and Hermione joining the wedding Harry marrying all four of them and somehow she was okay with it as we're all the others in her thoughts.

Ginny was shaking out of her thought when Neville thought her shoulder and said "Ginny Hermione asked if you wanted to eat. Dinner is about to start."

Ginny gave Neville a radiant smile but Neville noticed it wasn't as radiant as the smile she gave Harry. Neville thought while giving Ginny a little push and walking into the Great Hall following Hermione, Ron and Ginny before taking a seat almost halfway at the Gryffindor table 'hahahaha Harry you got a big problem here. Well, maybe not as big as it looks like if I remember the old laws my grandmother told me the last three years mostly because we are almost in the same boot but you got it worse. Well at least you don't need to find many more but I wonder how Hermione and Katie would react when they found out they can't have the whole Harry to themselves and need to share with at least Ginny and Susan it seems.'

They all look at Harry and he said give me a minute I will go join you in the Great Hall at the Gryffindor table soon. Harry walks to the first floor and sees a long corridor with empty classrooms. He steps into the closest empty classroom and said "Dobby."

Dobby pops in while he bows and said: "what can Dobby do for Master Harry?"

Harry said, "hey Dobby how are you?"

Dobby looks at Harry and says "Master Harry is so good asks lowly Dobby how he is doing. Dobby is fine Sir."

Harry said, "Dobby you are not lowly you are a friend and a good house-elf."

Normally Harry wouldn't say someone is a good and then their species but Harry knows Dobby wants the be called a good house-elf because Dobby almost wants nothing more. Dobby rushed toward Harry and hug Harry's leg almost sending Harry to the ground but he remains standing.

Dobby said "Master Harry is so good to Dobby. What can Dobby do for Master Harry to be a good elf? Dobby wants to be the best house-elf for Master Harry."

Harry smiled, he may not like the life of the house-elf but he was happy he could help Dobby and started to like the energetic elf more and more. If anybody asks he could honestly say that Dobby was a good elf.

Harry asked, "Dobby I hope I don't call you about something important."

Dobby hugs Harry's leg tighter if it was possible, so hard it starts to hurt. Dobby said sobbing "Master Harry is so good for Dobby asking if Dobby was doing something important. Dobby was but Dobby serving Master Harry is more important and fellow elves know that so take over Dobby's job when Master Harry calls until Dobby returns to continue his job. Dobby only needs to head elf know if Dobby is away for more than one day. What can Dobby do for Master Harry?"

Harry smiled happy that Dobby was happy even though he was bound as a slave to Harry but Dobby didn't see it like that. He hopes that when the time is right Hermione will understand that it was to save Dobby's life and apparently make Dobby happy.

Harry still has the bags in his hand and knows that dinner could start at any moment. Harry said while Dobby is still hugging his leg so hard it actually hurt "Dobby can you take this bag to my trunk and put it in the trunk where I can easily find it but couldn't be seen immediately if you open the trunk. If you want you can take some candy for you or your friends just leave some candy for me."

Dobby took a step back and said "thank you, Master Harry, but Dobby is a good elf and will not take candy that was given to Master Harry even if Master Harry allows it. Until Master Harry has a pick Dobby will not take any candy."

Dobby bows said, "enjoy dinner Master Harry." And then pops away after Harry says "goodbye Dobby."

Harry exited the classroom and quickly walks towards the Great Hall and enter right before the dinner started he was entered by two Ravenclaws (a blond second year and an Asian third year) but don't say anything to them and immediately walked toward Hermione, Neville, Ron, and Ginny. The two Ravenclaws take a seat so they could look at Harry. Harry sees and gave a small smile that satisfied the two Ravenclaws for not saying anything when they entered together.

16th October 1993, third-year girl's dormitories, Gryffindor Tower

It was a couple of hours after dinner and Hermione and Ginny were alone. Lavender, Parvati, and Fay were in the Common Room gossiping about what they and other people saw, possible new couples and what was talked about what happened in Hogsmeade today.

Hermione asked "so Ginny. You were in front of the Great Hall with Harry and evaded my earlier question of what you did today does that mean you were with Harry today?"

Ginny nodded and said, "yes Harry and I spent the day, but I was afraid Ron wouldn't like that and didn't want to cause a scene also I don't know if Harry wanted anyone to know he spent his day with me, with the chamber incident not long ago."

Hermione said "I am sure Harry didn't mind. So tell me what did Mr. Potter did with you, nothing too naughty I hope." Hermione started to laugh when Ginny started to blush and heavily shook her head indicating nothing 'naughty' happened not that Harry would do that. Harry was a gentleman and didn't know Ginny good enough.

Hermione thought 'Harry is a gentleman but I do hope that he becomes more assertive later when he is in a relationship. It was a relief when Ginny shaking her head indicated nothing happened.'

Ginny said "Harry offered to help me do some homework and we did that the entire morning until lunch. After lunch, I wanted to fly but we couldn't because Harry said Madam Hooch said that you can only fly during practice and Quidditch match and not because you want to because of the dementors. Oh, that reminds me Harry helped with some essays and helped me find good information without giving me the answer. Harry said that it was okay but that you were better at finding mistakes so could you look at them if you got the time?"

Hermione said, "of course Ginny I would love to maybe I would learn what I didn't when I was petrified even though Harry's notes were incredibly detailed and if I didn't know better I would say they were mine even Harry's handwriting was much better than normal."

Ginny said "thank you, Hermione. After lunch, we talked and played exploding snap only a couple of games because it was a bit boring with two people but the talk was really nice. He didn't want to play chess and I am not as good as Ron but still more than decent. After that, we went downstairs where we meet up with you unintentionally."

Hermione and Ginny continued to talk until Lavender, Parvati and Fay came back. For almost 30 minutes there was happily talking between the five girls before Ginny went to her own dormitory.

16th October 1993, Third-year girl's dormitories, Slytherin dungeon

All girls and boys were sent to their dormitories by the upper years backed up by all the prefects only fifth years girls that were already were allowed to stay but were preferred to be at least 15 years old and boys that were 14 (14,5 was preferred) were allowed to stay but it wasn't mandatory ... yet. Daphne heard about it when she sneaked out of her bed in her first year after the Yule holiday and heard a couple of fifth-year girls crying. She barely made out what they said but she managed and it is bad. Also, it sounded like it went on for a long time already.

At this time in the third year girl dormitories, Tracey was trying for Daphne to spill what she bought. Daphne had bought something that was in a bag but didn't want Tracey or Astoria to see what was in it. Finally, Tracey with Astoria managed to grab the bag. Daphne tried to grab it back which made it tear.

Tracey and Astoria were shocked, inside the back was a beautiful quill but it had the Gryffindor colours instead of Slytherin colours, two inkpots of high quality that at least 3 times refill themselves and three types of candies: Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frogs, and Sugar Quills.

When Tracey and Astoria looked at Daphne, they that her mask has completely slipped and were looking embarrassed. Pansy, Millicent, and Lily were always taking their time in the bathroom and hadn't returned yet.

Daphne tried to compose herself before Pansy, Millicent and Lilian came back. Daphne wanted to put the bag in her trunk before going to shower but Tracey and Astoria stopped her.

Tracey said "well Daphne do tell me why you got such a quill and not one with Slytherin colours. I know there are ones with Slytherin colours for every house actually and such high-quality ink you said yourself you would never use that expensive ink for schoolwork not to mention the candy you don't like well except the chocolate frogs but this is too much for you. So who did you buy it for?"

Daphne with little confidence said "no one. I just like the Quill and I know both you and Astoria like Bertie Bott's Every Flavour and I also like the Sugar Quills."

Astoria says "yes sis you like sugar quills but not that much to get that many" pointing at the many Sugar Quills.

Daphne was still looking red. Tracey decided it was time to push Daphne.

Tracey said "you got a Gryffindor Quill, two rather expensive inkpots and candy. Who could that be? I think everything is for one person that is why it was in one separate bag from the things you bought. The Quill suggests it is for a Gryffindor, but who could melt the ice princess's heart?"

Tracey pretended to think and Astoria noticed it and said "maybe that dark tall wizard, he is in the same year. He got a darker colour of skin than you Tracey maybe Daphne likes that."

Astoria also pretended to think "no, no, no what about that Irish wizard also the same year. Maybe heir Longbottom, he is nice although quite nervous but it could be good for the family too bad that you need to share him."

"No, of course, why didn't I see it, it is the redhead. Weasley right. Ron if I remember. I am sure that explains the nice red Quill. I didn't know you were into redheads Daphne" Tracey said. Astoria tried not to laugh or at least let Daphne not see which she succeeded because Daphne gave Tracey a glare that could almost put a basilisk to shame.

Daphne shouted "NO I WILL NEVER BE INTERESTED IN A WEASLEY AND CERTAINLY NOT THAT PRAT, GIT ... BERK RONALD. HE IS A BOTTOMLESS GARBAGE STOMACH."

Daphne's voice went back to her normal voice when in private and said "he is no better than Malfoy, Crabbe or Goyle. Okay maybe not that bad but not much of an improvement."

Tracey said "well that only leaves our resident hero Harry Potter. What is it? Is it his raven hair, his courage when he saved you and you felt his muscles if I recall what you said, it wasn't much but you said you could feel some! Or did his beautiful, piercing, dreamy green eyes melt your heart?"

Daphne's face became red from embarrassment just like in the Hospital Wing begin September. She hated it…. No, not hating it, she hated she could not talk to Ha-Potter without turning herself and Astoria into targets in her own Hogwarts house and Tracey if she stayed my friend. She hated that even if it wouldn't turn Tracey, Astoria, and herself into a target she didn't know what to say to Harry and couldn't say thank you for protecting me. When she sees Harry she get tongue-tied without the spell.

Tracey took a deep side and said: "I can see that."

Astoria looked into nothing and said "yes."

Tracey said "his eyes are beautiful. I hope to see it when he looks at me with care and love even if it is just care and love as a friend."

The three girls sighed when they all think the same 'that would never happen he is Gryffindor's golden boy and I am a Slytherin the rivalry and gap between our two houses, is just too big.'

Tracey was the first one to act after the thought and said "maybe I should ask Pansy, Millicent or Lily. Maybe they know or maybe Draco does or Nott's?"

Daphne didn't like Draco, he thought he is the Slytherin prince. Nott is almost just as bad, also thinks he should have a high place in the Slytherin hierarchy. Daphne was afraid that Pansy, Millicent or Lily would tell someone else in Slytherin and her ice-princess mask would be crushed and then Draco or Nott would think that she is weak and then the treating and forcing her could work. The big reason why her ice-princess mask work is also the reason why she is called that. If she shows weakness Astoria, Tracey and she would be in danger if she must believe the fourth-year girls she heard overheard talking in her first year right after Yule break when she snuck out of bed and wanted to explore the castle after hours.

Daphne was still in thought when she noticed that the showers saw Pansy, Millicent, and Lily walking to their bed. Daphne's bed was shielded by Tracey, Astoria and herself. Pansy, Millicent, and Lily obviously haven't seen the quill, inkpots, and candy that lay on Daphne's bed.

She whispers so only Tracey and Astoria can hear "we need to get it in my trunk without Pansy, Millicent and Lily noticing."

Tracey and Astoria nodded but were disappointed that Pansy, Millicent, and Lilian didný stay a bit longer in the shower than they normally do, it was quite short for them. They were probably tired from Hogsmeade or in Pansy's case from Draco.

They think they got everything in Daphne's trunk but Lily notices because she has the last bed and needs to look past Daphne and Tracey's bed to speak and listen to what Pansy and Millicent say. Lily noticed the quill and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.

It intrigued Lily knowing Daphne didn't like Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans because Daphne liked certainty not the chance to get every flavour… really every flavour. Lily remembered earlier today when she took her own that she got dragon dung.

Tracey gave Daphne a look that said this isn't over. Daphne didn't react and have her mask back up. Normally she wouldn't but that changed at the start of this year because when she heard from Pansy and Draco much to Pansy's terror and dismay, she had no choice.

Well, again the chapter went a bit out of control of what I planned but still like how the chapter went in the end. The next chapter will cover the time between now (16th October) and Halloween, Halloween itself. If the words allow it is also the first Quidditch match.

I want to advise you to read the notes below this and also that the next update may take a while as I got a busy time coming up.

One small change for later Professor McGonagall's office and classroom is on the fifth floor instead of the first floor. The first-floor office is also for Professor McGonagall but is not her office for transfiguration. She doesn't use it very often though. However, she did use it the first day to talk with Harry, Hermione, and Ginny.

There are a few things I changed in the earlier chapters to make things more clear or added some information for later chapters. I also changed a few sentences to make it better to read.