AUTHOR NOTE! This story has been expanded into a stand-alone multiple chapter one. It has been expanded, with some changes from this preview. I leave this preview here for comparison purposes like i've done the other stories. All review responses to this have been placed in that story. Thank you for the support.
Harry stabbed the basilisk fang into the damnable diary over and over as the shade of Riddle screamed and died. Laying there panting with his arm burning he felt Fawkes land beside him.
"Well looks like I failed eh? Sorry I couldn't do better."
The phoenix looked at him sadly then cried fat tears into the wound on his arm. Harry felt the harsh burning sensation wash away in a cool rush of relief. After a few moments he was flexing his hand carefully smiling in relief, "Thanks Fawkes."
Turning to the cold still body beside him he shook her arm, "Ginny time to get up. Ginny?"
The pale blue eyes stared cold and empty at Harry. The small body, so motionless, was cold to his touch, her lips waxy and blue, skin pale and stiff.
"Ginny?" Harry's plaintive wail carried across the chamber as he fell into darkness.
===xxx===xx
Harry awoke to voices. He recognized his head of house and the headmaster.
"At least his friend Miss Granger's recovery should be welcome news to him." Minerva was saying.
"Yes however the loss of the others will not be." The headmaster was saying gravely.
"No. So who shall inform him?"
"I will when he awakens. You should rest Minerva. You have been awake far too long, young women such as yourself need your rest."
Minerva snorted, "And ancient warlocks do not need their rest?"
A deep sigh heralded his next words, "I fear I shall have more rest than I ever will need all too soon Minerva."
Harry didn't hear her response but her footsteps soon left the room.
"Ahh Harry as you no doubt heard things have become rather complicated."
Sitting up as he realized he had been caught Harry placed his glasses on his face, "Uh sorry sir. I didn't want to interrupt."
"It is understandable Harry. Gaining knowledge before opening ones eyes is always a wise thing for people to do, alas more people do not engage in the practice." Dumbledore smiled gently at him.
Harry was not sure he understood what the headmaster was talking about so focused on the burning worries in his heart, "Hermione? Is she okay? What about Ginny?"
"One lives yet again, the other I am afraid to say has passed beyond the cares of this world. Miss Granger is no doubt anxiously awaiting word of your recovery to fly to your bedside." Dumbledore left the condition of Ginny unsaid although Harry figured out what he meant.
"Oh."
"Do not despair Harry. You did your best to save her. It was just Tom's shade had stolen too much of her life for her to remain with us. I'm sorry."
"How's Ron and the other's taking it?" Harry sighed worried about his friends.
Dumbledore worked his tongue around his mouth for a moment as he thought before saying, "They are in shock and grieving as can be expected. I would refrain from pushing them until they are ready."
Harry nodded carefully. Looking at the table in front of him he saw several cards and gifts, "How long was I unconscious?"
"Only a few days. Long enough for the tales of what happened to spread through the school, yet again proving that gossip is the only thing capable of traveling faster than magic or light." he gave a sad chuckle.
Harry nodded, not sure what else to say.
The doors to the hospital wing swung open and a small brown haired missile came flying in to grab Harry in a hug.
"Oh Harry. I was so worried. I'm sorry I failed to warn you in time. I should have been more careful." Hermione was crying. "I'm glad you're safe though."
Harry patted Hermione on the back unsure of what else to do while Dumbledore gave one of his enigmatic smiles. "Well I see that you are in good hands Harry. So I will speak with you once more before the leaving feast tomorrow. Good day Miss Granger, Harry."
Hermione barely acknowledged the headmaster but he did not seem to mind. Harry's confused and concerned expression did not seem to compel the headmaster to remain either.
After long moments Harry said awkwardly, "Hermione its okay. What happened?"
Hermione slowly released Harry before sitting on the edge of the bed beside him, "Oh Harry. I found out it was a basilisk and was coming to warn you when I made a mistake and got myself petrified. I should have been more careful."
"Yes well its still worked out, mostly."
Hermione nodded, "I know. Ginny didn't make it though."
Harry shook his head remembering the way she looked laying on the stone floor. "So how is Ron?"
Hermione's worried expression dropped to a frowning glare, "He blames you Harry. He says you didn't do enough to save her. That you let her die."
Harry blinked several times at the anger in her voice. "He said I let her die?"
Hermione nodded, "Yes Harry. he. He said it was all your fault, and mine. That you didn't fight hard enough and that I was too stupid to avoid getting petrified. That it was all our fault. But mostly he blames you because you were in the chamber with her."
Harry took Hermione's hand, "I don't blame you."
"Oh Harry you shouldn't blame yourself either. I know you did all you could. I know it. You jumped on the back of a troll for me. You'd never just let someone die if you could help it." She implored him to accept her words with her expression. Harry wasn't sure how someone could feel as many emotions as Hermione did so quickly without exploding. Right now though he felt nothing. He was numb inside.
"Harry?" Hermione quietly asked with a worried expression.
"I'm fine Hermione. Just. Thinking." Harry softly said.
Hermione nodded. The two friends slipping into a supportive silence, just being there.
===xxx===xx
Harry had been released from the hospital wing. Walking with Hermione beside him they returned to the Gryffindor common room to an awkward reception. Neville congratulated him and offered him his sympathy. Lavender did the same. A girl named Abigail, who was a friend of Ginny's, sat quietly in the corner crying, glaring at him through red swollen eyes.
Harry and Hermione sat quietly trying to process all that had happened. Their fellow Gryffindors doing the same.
Before the leaving feast Dumbledore asked Harry to come to his office. When Harry came in the room looked quite different. The items on the shelf had been cleaned and packed away. Fawkes sat morosely on a stand trilling quietly a small sad song. The various sweets and trinkets all removed. A stern orderly feel permeated the room now. There was a plaid tartan on the wall with a crest Harry did not recognize in the middle of it.
Seeing Harry looking around the room Dumbledore gave a small smile, "Ahh yes Harry. I have been asked to pursue other avenues of employment so I felt it would be wise not to leave any lingering drawn out process. Long goodbyes can be such trouble."
"They sacked you?" Harry exclaimed in surprise.
Dumbledore chuckled, "To put it in the vernacular I suppose you could say so. Suffice it, Minerva will now be headmaster and shall no doubt bring great changes to the school. As is always the way it goes."
"Oh. So what else will go on?"
"I suppose life shall do so Harry. I shall visit you from time to time and speak with you about the great many things you need to know for the future."
"Like why Voldemort killed my parents and targeted me?" Harry asked once again.
"Ah yes. Well it would seem that the time for dissemination has arrived. You were chosen by Tom for the unfortunate destiny of being his adversary due to a prophecy that was made. You are the one who will vanquish him according to this prophecy."
Harry gulped quickly as he processed Dumbledore's words. "I'm supposed to do what?"
"You will vanquish the dark lord. I am afraid though that I may have failed in preparing you for this task. I thought I would be able to preserve some sense of normalcy for you as long as possible. It seems in my hubris I failed. I will now make arrangements for extra training. Unfortunately I can no longer do so from Hogwarts."
"Does this mean I don't have to go back tot he Dursley's?" Harry hopefully asked.
Dumbledore looked sadly at Harry before shaking his head, "No Harry you must go there for at least a few more years. As long as the blood of your mother still runs in her sister you will be protected there."
"Protected from who? From what? The Dursleys? They barely feed me, they let Dudley and his friends beat me up daily. If that's protection then I'll risk the danger." Harry's voice had started to rise in anger.
Dumbledore pursed his lips in frustration, "I understand your feelings Harry. I thought that your aunt would uphold her familial duty. Her familial bond. However it seems I was wrong about that as well. I will do what I can but your mother invoked ancient blood magics to place a protection over you. A protection that must be renewed yearly lest it fade."
"Well what would happen should it fade? A giant basilisk attack me or something?"
Dumbledore looked at him with a hurt expression, "Harry, no something much worse. There is within you a piece of darkness. A darkness that is held at bay by this protection. I do not know how to remove it currently, but hopefully at the proper time it can be done. I would not place you in this position if I did not fear the consequences were far greater than the experiences."
Harry blinked as he felt his anger fade a little. He had a piece of darkness in him? There were thousands of questions bubbling up in him.
Dumbledore raised his hand, "I know you have a thousand questions. Between yourself and Miss Granger we could be here until the stars grow dark and the mountains are worn down but we do not have the time at the moment. I promise you Harry I will tell you everything you need to know when the time is appropriate. Until then please just trust me."
Harry frowned but nodded, "I'll try sir. There is just so many unanswered questions."
"I know. I will try to answer them as time and events permit. I believe we have time for one further question before we must prepare for the feast."
"In the chamber. Did I. Did I stand a chance of saving Ginny?" Harry's face showed the pain he felt for even having to ask that.
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. "I unfortunately cannot answer that question Harry as I do not know. None of us know the hour at which the bell shall toll." he paused to sigh, "Sadly many older and wiser wizards have had to look in the mirror and ask that same question."
"How do they deal with it sir?" Harry quietly asked. His voice small yet filled with pain.
"They either come to accept that life is a precious loan from the powers beyond and go on, or they stop looking in mirrors. Now come, let us go to the feast. I understand the elves have prepared a most scrumptious meal. It would be most insulting not to overindulge in it."
===xxx===xx
The feast had gone quietly with subdued conversation. Everyone felt the change in the air as the school mourned the loss of Ginny. The return of Hagrid and the ones who had been petrified balancing it only slightly.
After everyone had eaten and the house points awarded Dumbledore stood and rapped his glass for attention. Once he had it he gazed at the school over his moon rimmed glasses and smiled at them.
"Ahh friends, colleges, students lend me your ears for I have grave words to speak to you. Another year has come and gone and with it much sadness lingers in its wake. We lost a bright young spirit, a child whose candle was snuffed at far too early an age. The loss of any life is sad, the loss of a child though is tragic. We will remember young miss Ginevra Weasley and pray for her soul to be at peace. Let us have a moment of silence for her."
Dumbledore and the other professors removed their hats and hung their heads for a long few minutes before Dumbledore cleared his throat and looked across the crowd again.
"Before we dismiss you there is one final thing I must announce. One final act as Headmaster I must perform. For due to the events of this year I have chosen to take the opportunity to explore other career options. I know I will leave this school in the most capable and proper hands that I could ever imagine. Professor McGonnegal would you please step forward?"
She stepped around to the dais he was standing in front of.
"Ahh Minerva, you have been a trusted friend, college and compatriot for many years. I will now in accordance with our traditions pass the leadership of this school to you. Guide and guard our charges well." He took a rather old and archaic looking medallion on a gold chain from around his neck. Holding it out to her she bowed her head to let him place it over her neck. When she stood up again the students looked at each other in mixed expressions. Some in surprise and shock others who had heard things with a curious expectation. Some wondered what exactly would happen to the school.
Minerva stepped up to the dais as Dumbledore exited it. Standing off to the side he nodded at her as she took a deep breath and addressed the students.
"Very well. I accept the responsibility and charge of this position and swear to uphold the duties to the best of my ability. I want to reassure you, that we will work hard to maintain the positive traditions that have defined our culture and our school, while working to remove the poison that has managed to infiltrate our halls. When you return this fall there will be many changes and you will be informed of the most pertinent ones over the summer. Until then hold true to the faith we place in you. And hasten ye back in peace. Class dismissed."
===xxx===xx
Harry and Hermione quietly sat alone in a compartment. Both staring out the window at the countryside as the train rolled down the tracks. Neither one knew what to say as so many shocks to the system had occurred so quickly.
The trolley lady came by and Harry got them a few treats. Hermione slowly nibbling on a pumpkin pastie as Harry stared at the Bernie Botts package unopened.
"Harry I'll miss you this summer."
"I'll miss you too." He said looking at her intently.
"Will you be alright?" She asked softly.
"I think so." He said giving her a reassuring smile he hoped.
"I'll speak with my parents about inviting you on our trip. We're going to France this summer. We'll explore the Louvre and a few other historical places in Paris. I think you'd like it." She hopefully said.
"Maybe. That would be nice to see something like that. I've only been in a small museum and the zoo in Surrey before."
"Oh." Hermione said with a frown, "Well if I can convince my parents we'll make sure you see a lot of museums and art galleries. Mum and dad are very happy to go to them as they say a strong mind will hold one through many trials."
Harry chuckled softly, "Yeah. That sounds nice."
Hermione sighed, unsure how to drag any more conversation out of Harry. Usually Ron would be talking enough for all three of them. Without him in the compartment there was a large gaping hole she didn't know how to fill.
===xxx===xx
At the castle Severus Snape was packing up his belongings to return to his abode in Spinner's end when there was a knock at his door. Sighing mightily he opened it to find Minerva standing there.
"Headmistress what do I owe the honor." he drolled calmly.
"Severus I wanted to catch you before you left to inform you that the school will no longer need your services."
"I had expected such. Dumbledore warned me that without his presence I might need to find another position." He said calmly like he had been expecting this.
"Well thank you for not making a dramatic production out of this. How soon can you be out of this office?"
Snape looked around and with a slight shrug, "Aside from a few inconsequential things I can have all traces of my presence removed by this evening."
Minerva nodded, "Please do so."
Snape nodded as she turned to leave, "Good bye Minerva."
She paused and turned back, "I have not agreed with or enjoyed working alongside you Severus, however I wish you luck out there. Times are changing. We will have to choose a side to stand on all too soon."
Snape sighed with a nod, "Yes, indeed."
===xxx===xx
The train pulled into Kings Cross Station on time as always. Harry helped Hermione off the train and the two glum friends entered the muggle world once more.
Hermione saw her parents in the lounge and grabbed Harry's arm to drag him over. Harry only resisted a moment before he saw there was no threat and moved with her.
"Mum dad this is Harry Potter."
A tall slightly balding man with an easy smile and wrinkles around his eyes looked sternly at Harry for a few moments before thrusting his hand out, "Hello. I'm Daniel. Or you can call me the guy who will end your life if you hurt my daughter."
Harry had started to shake the man's hand when he said that causing Harry to freeze until Hermione huffed at the man.
"Dad! That's not right."
The man started to laugh, "Sorry pumpkin. Just I've been waiting to use that line since you were in diapers. Now you finally bring a boyfriend home and I get to use it." He chortled gleefully causing Harry to take an instant liking to him.
Harry shook the man's hand, "I promise not to hurt her sir. I owe her far too much."
"Well he's polite and nice. I definitely like him. If he's housebroken you can keep him." Daniel said in the same light tone.
"Mum can you get dad to behave." Hermione hissed turning to a taller more mature woman who resembled her greatly Harry noticed. Only her hair was a darker shade of brown with deep chocolate eyes instead of Hermione's honey brown ones.
"Sorry sweetie. This is him behaving. Hello Harry. I'm pleased to meet you." She said holding her hand out to be shaken as well.
"Hello ma'am. I'm pleased to meet you."
"Well we would stay and chat with you longer but we have dinner reservations. Caponelli's Italian Restaurant. I don't suppose your family would be going there." Daniel asked hopefully.
Harry glanced over at the Dursleys who were standing there watching this with an odd expression. He noticed Dudley was not there which was curious. "Uh no. They probably made other arrangements."
"Oh pity. And Caponelli's is usually so busy you have to make reservations a week out just to get to smell the air." Dan said. "Well maybe we can make arrangements for the night before you go back. We usually come up the day before and have dinner there. Its a sort of tradition."
"I'd like that sir. I'll see what my Aunt and Uncle say."
Hermione hugged Harry briefly before saying, "Are you certain you'll be okay? You have my telephone number and address, plus I think Hedwig can fine me."
"Yeah sure. I'll be fine Hermione."
She raised her eyebrow at him before saying, When you say you're fine is when I trust that word the least."
Harry smiled at her. "I'll be fine really."
"Okay. Well bye Harry." She said and left with her parents.
Harry walked solemnly over tot he Dursleys who said nothing turning to walk out of the station and expecting him to follow.
===xxx===xx
On the drive back to Surrey Harry sat quietly in the backseat. Enjoying that he was not being poked or shoved against the door by Dudley.
"So that girl she one of your lot was she?" Vernon asked in a curious voice.
"Yes. She's in my house at school." Harry was surprised as Vernon usually showed utterly no interest in his life, only mild disappointment that he returned each year.
"And those were her parents?"
"Yes. They're dentists in Crawley." Harry remembered Hermione talking about them frequently.
Vernon nodded, "Right. And you two are friends?"
Harry had no idea where his uncle was going with this line of questioning but shrugging said, "Yeah. We are."
"Oh good for you then." Vernon complimented him.
On the trip through they stopped at Macduff's and got Harry a Big King's meal for himself and one for Vernon while Petunia had the garden Salad. They seemed to be awkwardly trying to be nice to Harry for some reason. He didn't understand why but ate his Hamburger in peace. Usually on nights like this he got a butter sandwich and a glass of water with maybe a stale cracker.
Vernon had to buy some petrol on the journey home and gave Harry a Mars bar he had bought inside as well. Harry was not sure what was going on but was grateful for the gift. He munched on a bit of it and pocketed the rest in case this was a cruel joke.
Arriving at Privet Drive they sat in the car for a moment before Vernon turned to Harry like he was going to say something then gave an awkward smile and got out. Helping Harry with his things.
Entering the house Harry saw Dudley sitting quietly reading a book while an elderly lady sat quietly knitting a sweater. He didn't recognize her but did recognize that the sweater held the Hogwarts crest.
"Ah back already are we? Glad to see you Mr Potter." The older lady cheerfully greeted him.
"Uh glad to see you ma'am."
"Oh pish. No need to call me ma'am. Just call me Miss Eleanor please."
"Yes ma. Er Miss Eleanor." Harry corrected.
"Now you've had a good dinner eh?"
"Uh yes I have."
"Oh good, good then. Well go on up and take your things. A boy like you needs to get his sleep right? Probably all tuckered out after the day you've had." She said pinching his cheek.
"Uh right." Harry said taking his trunk and cage upstairs without any comment by Vernon. Had Dumbledore arranged for Dudley to be held hostage or something. He wasn't sure what was going on as the world shifted gears without clutching in his head.
===xxx===xx
The next morning Harry woke up feeling like he was being watched. Sitting up slowly he pulled his glasses on and looked around the room. Not seeing anyone he was about to go to sleep when he heard a familiar voice from above him say, "Hi Harry. I'm up here."
Looking up he saw floating just below the ceiling the ghost of Ginny.
"Uh Ginny?"
"Yeah I know. I'm dead. My funeral is today. But I didn't want to go to that. It seems like it would be too painful you know." She said floating down to sit on the bed beside Harry. She was translucent and in shades of gray like every other ghost Harry had met.
"I suppose it would be. Why are you here?"
"You mean why didn't I cross over?"
Harry nodded.
"Well I don't really know. I get the feeling there is something I'm supposed to do only I don't know what." She said sadly.
"Oh okay. Well uh I need to change clothes and get dressed."
Ginny smiled, "I'm a ghost Harry. Its not like I can actually do anything." She said reaching out and running her hand through him. He shivered as the cool chill from her touch went through him.
"Uh yeah but I still. Uh. I'd rather do so alone."
"You mean without a girl around." She snorted.
"Uh yeah. That would work."
"Okay. I guess I'll see what Hermione is doing. Do you have anything you want to me to tell her?"
"Uh Hello and I hope she's doing alright. I'm doing good."
"Oh okay. Bye." She said and flew through the wall.
Harry shook his head at the way this day was starting.
===xxx===xx