I regret to inform you that there will be a hiatus in posting new chapters for the next month or so. As we enter the sacred month of Ramadan, my commitments will demand my full attention, leaving little room for writing. For those who may not have already guessed, I am a proud Muslim woman, and while I respect differing perspectives, I find solace and purpose in my faith. I don't really care for some people's narrow minded opinions about my religion. Being Muslim is the most beautiful thing that gives my life a meaning.
Regarding my writing, I must admit to feeling a bit disheartened and uninspired lately, perhaps exacerbated by the absence of feedback… I was quite surprised by that actually, but I guess I'm one of those writers who thrive on constructive criticism and reviews, which serve as guiding lights. So, if you've enjoyed the journey so far, I kindly invite you to share your thoughts and leave a review ;) Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Enjoy Reading!
HGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHG
VENOMOUS CURE
Chapter 6: Slytherin's Heir
"Based on the note regarding the 'Right of Conquest,' it appears that the Slytherin Heirship is bestowed upon you due to your victory over Lord Voldemort."
The revelation hung in the air like a thundercloud, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the room as the implications of Shacklebolt's words sank in. It was a moment of reckoning, a revelation that would forever alter the course of Harry's destiny.
"Surely you don't expect me to simply embrace all of this, especially the Slytherin seat!" Harry's words sliced through the tense air, his tone laced with icy fury as he addressed Shacklebolt.
"I know it's a bit too much to-" Shacklebolt began, but Harry's narrowed eyes cut him off, silencing any further words.
"I said no. End of story," Harry's voice reverberated with determination, the tension palpable in the air around him. He drew in a deep breath, centring himself. "Malfoy can have it for all I bloody care!"
"No! You... You can't do that!" An unexpected objection cut through the charged atmosphere, voiced by none other than Ginny. Her pallid complexion and trembling form betrayed her fear as she stood frozen for a moment, her eyes locked on his, before she abruptly stomped out of the room in a swift escape leaving more than one pair of confused eyes questioning her sudden outburst.
"What was that about?" Ron voiced, sounding deeply perplexed.
Harry slumped in his chair with a huff, a new wave of thoughts and questions swirling inside his head. He closed his eyes, striving to maintain a neutral facade, knowing that discussing it with Ginny was imperative but deciding to postpone the conversation to avoid arousing further suspicions. Despite an unsettling sense of unease gnawing at him, Harry couldn't shake the strange feeling that something was profoundly amiss within himself as well. Nevertheless, he made a conscious decision to set aside his own apprehensions, at least for the time being.
"Well, anyway..." Shacklebolt attempted to diffuse the tension in the room, his voice calm. "I highly doubt it's the right time to make any decisions about it. Shall we move on to the next matter?"
"Yes, of course, Minister," Mr. Weasley affirmed with a resolute nod.
"Before we adjourn," Shacklebolt began, his tone sombre yet resolute, "I'd like to inform everyone about a significant event taking place next month. The Ministry will be hosting a ceremony to honour those who bravely fought in the battle of Hogwarts,"
He paused briefly, allowing the weight of his words to settle, before continuing, "During this ceremony, we will also be presenting the Order of Merlin to Mr. Potter..." Harry stifled another annoyed sigh at the mention of his name, "...and the members of the Order of the Phoenix, among several other individuals, who demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication. They will be recognized for their unwavering commitment to protecting our world."
Shacklebolt's gaze swept across the room, meeting each person's eyes with sincerity. "I hope you will all join us in commemorating the sacrifices made and celebrating the resilience of our community during those challenging times."
As Minister Shacklebolt was preparing to leave, Harry thought he saw Luna talking with Mrs Weasley before briskly ascending the stairs. He was just about to excuse himself to follow her when he heard Hermione's next words and decided against it.
"What was that with Ginny earlier?" Hermione whispered in a suspicious tone.
"I don't know, but it was definitely odd. Do you know anything about it, Harry?" Ron turned to ask him, his expression curious.
Harry cursed internally and shook his head in response to Ron's question, scrambling to think of a way to deflect their attention from Ginny's reaction but coming up empty.
"Do you reckon it's about... The Chamber?" Hermione speculated, her voice still hushed.
Ron shrugged, about to add something when the fireplace burst to life, and Neville stumbled into the living room, looking a bit out of breath.
"Hello guys, how are you doing?"
"Hey, Neville, we're doing alright," Ron replied, exchanging a quick glance with Hermione. "What brings you here?"
Neville nervously scratched his hair, his eyes scanning around the room. Harry could sense his desperation, his silent search for Ginny. "Just thought I'd drop by," Neville muttered, his voice slightly strained. "Haven't seen you all in a while."
"Did you hear about the ministry's ceremony, then?" Hermione inquired casually.
"Ceremony?" Neville impatiently rocked back and forth on his heels.
"Yeah, the Minister just informed us a few minutes ago," Hermione explained casually, but Harry noticed Neville's preoccupation, his gaze kept flickering towards the stairs.
"It's gonna be held next month," Ron tried to continue, but Neville cut him off.
"I'm sorry, but... Is Ginny in her room? I need to talk to her about... something," Without waiting for a response, he started making his way up the stairs towards Ginny's room.
"That's weird," Hermione commented, her eyes following Neville's retreating form.
"Yeah, he and Luna seem to be closer to Ginny than you would expect," Ron mumbled thoughtfully.
Sensing the direction the conversation was taking, Harry quickly got up, muttering something about being tired and needing more sleep. Hermione shot him a look but remained silent.
Harry climbed the stairs and halted outside Ginny's room, inadvertently overhearing Neville's fervent voice.
"... can. I bet he can uncast it, now," Neville was saying with conviction.
Harry hesitated for a moment before he mustered the courage to knock on the door once and enter.
"Damn it, Neville! Can't you at least cast a Muffliato? Anyone passing by could have-" Harry's reprimand died on his lips as he stepped into the room.
Luna sat beside an emotional Ginny on her bed, her hand gently rubbing her back in a soothing manner. Her gentle demeanour radiated comfort as she attempted to console her friend. Neville, frozen mid-pace, turned to face Harry with wide eyes, clearly caught off guard by his sudden entrance.
Harry, sensing the tension in the room, cleared his throat awkwardly. "Um, sorry I didn't mean to barge in, I just..." he began, shifting his weight nervously. "I heard Neville's voice and... Where you talking about-"
"Ginny's curse. Yes," Neville interjected, his expression still unsettled, giving a brief nod.
"Neville!" Ginny's voice carried surprise as she hastily wiped her eyes, "I can't believe you!"
"What? He's already aware of it," Neville retorted, his tone sharp with defensiveness.
Luna, her expression alarmed, glanced between them before she rose to her feet and cast a silencing spell. "Could you both please lower your voices? This isn't the appropriate place for such discussions."
Harry's eyes widened in astonishment as he observed Neville and Ginny's reactions to Luna's commanding tone. Both of them nodded their heads resolutely.
"Could someone please explain to me what is going on?" Harry's voice hissed demandingly as he scanned their faces, his expression expectant.
Neville deliberately avoided meeting Harry's gaze, his eyes darting around the room in a nervous dance, echoing Luna's evasive demeanour. As Harry shifted his attention to Ginny, he couldn't help but notice the tension etched into her features. Her lips were pressed tightly together as if she was struggling to contain what seemed like an impending outburst of anger.
"Ginny?" Harry pressed, his tone insistent. "What was that reaction about earlier?"
"Nothing," Ginny replied shortly, her response terse and guarded.
"Luna," Harry persisted, turning his attention to her. "I need to know what's going on."
"Harry, listen..." Luna began, her voice gentle yet firm, her eyes pleading with him to understand. "I know you probably have so many questions, but this really isn't the place to discuss all of this."
"Okay, I see," Harry's patience wore thin, his frustration palpable. "I really tried to be nice, you know."
Ginny's eyes snapped to his, a mixture of surprise and defensiveness evident in her gaze. "What does that mean?"
"It means," Harry's voice turned dead serious, his tone unwavering, "That if you don't explain everything right now, I'm going to tell Ron. I'm sorry, Ginny, but you leave me with no choice."
"So you're threatening me, now?" Ginny's disbelief was evident in her gaze, her eyes locked onto Harry's with a mixture of astonishment and defiance.
"I wouldn't be if you bloody told me what the hell is going on!" Harry's quiet yet forceful exclamation seemed to heighten the tension in the room, his frustration simmering beneath the surface, lending an air of danger to his demeanour.
Luna and Neville exchanged nervous glances, their silent communication betraying a shared unease. Ginny, visibly distressed, lowered her head into her hands, a gesture of defeat. She shrugged in resignation, and Neville recognized this as his cue to speak up. Clearing his throat, he turned to Harry and hesitantly began, "We think there may be a new way to get rid of the curse."
Ginny's face was getting paler by the second and Luna reclaimed her previous position on Ginny's bed and resumed comforting her friend as Neville continued in a hushed voice, "There won't be a need to destroy the source of the curse to break it if we eliminate the source in the first place by trying to uncast the curse," Neville attempted to explain, but Harry cut him off with an impatient voice.
"What is the curse's source?" Harry asked, steeling himself for the answer, though deep down, he knew he would never truly be prepared to hear it.
"There's this kind of... stamp inside Ginny's body," Neville's voice trailed off at the look in Harry's eyes. "Are you okay, mate?"
"A stamp? Like a... a seal?" Harry repeated, his own words sounding distant and surreal as they echoed through his mind like reverberations in a deep valley. He sat down by the desk, gesturing for Neville to elaborate.
"Well, yeah, it's like there is some kind of vessel containing the curse, only it's... er, inside of Ginny's body," Neville explained, his face flushing slightly with discomfort, confirming Harry's worst fears.
Harry knew, without a shred of doubt, that this was the same thing Dumbledore's portrait had mentioned just a week ago. He also realized the true reason for Ginny's reluctance to discuss the matter with him. However, a part of him refused to fully accept it. With a hesitant tone, as if he wasn't entirely certain he wanted to hear the answer, Harry turned to Neville and asked, "What was the first option to get rid of it?"
Neville's expression shifted to one of bewilderment, his gaze darting between Harry and Ginny, seeking clarification. However, Ginny's unwavering stare remained stubbornly fixed on Harry, her demeanour cool and composed, as if she were studying some particularly challenging puzzle.
"I think you already know the answer to that question, Harry, so why don't you save us all the trouble?" Ginny's tone was icy, her words laced with an edge of bitterness.
Harry's curiosity sparked, his brows furrowing in contemplation. "And what makes you so certain there's an alternative?" he inquired, his tone tinged with intrigue. "I've scoured the majority of the restricted section at Hogwarts for the better part of the last week, hoping to find a loophole, but my efforts came up empty." His frustration at hitting dead ends was palpable in his voice.
'So that's where he kept disappearing to every morning,' Ginny thought quietly.
Neville's words tumbled out nervously, his voice tinged with apprehension as he spoke, "You're aware that the curse was cast by Riddle, who was the Slytherin heir back then. So, we wondered if..."
Interrupting, Harry turned towards Ginny, a flicker of comprehension dawning in his eyes. "I see," he acknowledged, his expression solemn. "You think that now, as the current Slytherin heir, I might possess the ability to reverse the curse." He regarded Ginny intently, his voice now grave with consideration. "Do you really believe there's a chance it could succeed?"
Ginny met Harry's gaze, her expression a mixture of hope and uncertainty. "I don't know, Harry," she admitted in a soft voice. "But considering the circumstances, it might be worth exploring."
Harry nodded thoughtfully, "We can't ignore any possibility, no matter how slim. I may not have all the answers, but I now have resources. Being the Heir to four houses gives me access to knowledge and information that could be crucial to our quest. I say we better put that to use."
With the Gaunt Shack long gone, courtesy of Dumbledore's earlier actions, Harry redirected his attention to the next ominous estate. Although it had previously been scoured for lingering dark spells during his initial stay, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that the ancestral home of the Black family might harbor a substantial collection of dark magical texts and tomes.
As Neville absorbed the gravity of their words, he spoke up, his tone tinged with concern. "Harry, I understand where you're coming from, but we also need to consider the risks. If we're not careful, we could end up making things worse."
Harry nodded, acknowledging Neville's caution. "You're right, Neville. We can't afford to make any mistakes. But we also can't sit back and do nothing while the situation worsens." With a determined glint in his eye, Harry continued, "I'm going to start by exploring Grimmauld Place. There might be something hidden there that could turn the tide in our favour."
Neville hesitated, his worry evident. "Harry, I get it. But we have to be careful. Grimmauld Place isn't just another location. I'm willing to bet it's still brimming with dark magic and potential dangers. We can't afford to underestimate what we might find there."
Harry nodded solemnly, "I know, Neville. I won't take any unnecessary risks. However, breaking the curse remains the top priority. If returning to that house is necessary, then so be it. Besides, it's still protected by the Fidelius Charm, so we should be safe within its confines."
Ginny's determination radiated as she rose to her feet, dispelling uncertainty with her resolve. "I want to help, Harry. You can't bear this burden alone while I remain passive."
Neville's excitement was evident as he nodded vigorously. "You can count me in, too. I'm available almost every morning, except when I visit my parents at St. Mungo's. I'll be there to support you."
They all turned to Luna expectantly, but she looked at Ginny with apologetic eyes and Ginny smiled at her gently, "It's okay, Luna. I know you would help if you could."
"Well, I can't go with you, but I surely can check whatever books and texts you might want me to," Luna explained in a serene voice, "I can charm them to look like some cheesy muggle novels."
"That would be helpful, Luna. But there's a small hitch," Harry hesitated, glancing uncertainly at the others. "How do we manage this without attracting too much attention? I mean, people will start asking questions if we..."
"I'll figure something out," Ginny interjected hastily. "We can't risk anyone else finding out."
"Alright, keep me posted if you come up with a plan," Harry said, already making his way to the door.
"Thank you, Harry," Ginny said softly, her eyes reflecting gratitude mixed with concern.
Harry's expression shifted, guilt weighing heavily upon him as he met Ginny's gaze. He managed a weak smile, but the weight of responsibility still lingered in his heart. "I'll do everything I can to help, Ginny. I promise."
Ginny found herself caught between taking solace in Harry's reassurance and grappling with the weight of him being privy to almost every detail. While his words provided a glimmer of hope in her bleak circumstances, they also underscored the potential difficulties ahead if their efforts amounted to nothing.
HGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHG
Two days later, Harry and Ginny were still trying to come up with a plan of some sort when the perfect diversion for their situation presented itself after dinner. Ginny was soaring through the summer breeze on her broom and pretending that she wasn't secretly observing Harry as he played chess with Ron when none other than Hermione Granger joined her up in the air.
"Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed grinning at her bushy-haired friend, "You are on a broom!"
"I know! I wouldn't be up here if you hadn't hopped on yours as soon as dinner was over!" Hermione screeched clutching her broom as if her life depended on it, "I wanted to talk to you, well... Ron and I wanted to talk to you and Harry, actually."
"Talk to me and Harry..." Ginny's heart raced as she tried not to panic, "About what?"
"Could you please come down first? I don't think I can continue this conversation much longer without feeling solid ground beneath my feet," Hermione pleaded.
As the two witches approached Ron and Harry, Ginny could hear snippets of their conversation that prompted an internal sigh of relief.
"...bringing her parents from Australia," Ron's tone was solemn. "I understand it's not ideal—"
"What do you mean, Ron?" Harry interjected urgently. "You should definitely go with Hermione. I can't believe I hadn't considered it sooner," He turned to Hermione with a remorseful expression. "I'm sorry, Hermione."
"Just please, Harry, don't let this add to your list of things to feel guilty about," Hermione said, smiling at him knowingly as she took a seat opposite them, "I understand we probably shouldn't leave you right now, but Minister Shacklebolt mentioned an expert highly skilled in Memory Charms and Obliviation. He's reputed to be the best in the field. I thought perhaps you and Ginny could keep each other company while we're away?"
"Yeah, I'll make sure he behaves," Ginny replied with a mischievous grin, winking at Harry. "So, when are you two heading out?"
"Well, it depends on the wizard's availability, as he's joining us," Hermione began to explain. "Although, the Minister says we should bring them back before the ceremony..."
"The Ministry has already located them, but Shacklebolt thinks we'll need about two weeks to sort everything out," Ron interjected, wrapping his arm around Hermione's shoulders. "Are you sure you'll be alright, Harry?"
"Yeah, I'll manage," Harry replied, giving Ginny a brief glance. "I'll probably be too occupied to notice you're gone, anyway."
"What do you mean?" Ron and Hermione asked in unison.
"I inherited four ancestral Houses. It seems that'll require quite a bit of my focus, wouldn't you agree?"
"Shall we assume you're prepared to accompany Bill to Gringotts, then?" Ron inquired, refocusing on the chessboard.
"Do I really have any other choice?" Harry quipped begrudgingly, glancing up to find Ginny observing him intently. Catching her gaze, she quickly averted her eyes, cheeks tinged with a blush. Harry cleared his throat, masking his unease, and returned to the game with Ron.
As Harry made his next move on the chessboard, his thoughts swirled with the weight of his responsibilities and the guilt that consumed him, especially regarding Ginny's situation. He couldn't help but wonder if Ginny wouldn't have suffered had he not been the target of Tom Riddle's sinister plot in his second year. Wasn't she merely a pawn, a tool exploited to reach him? Her love for him seemed to have led her to an endless torture. The thought gnawed at him, amplifying his sense of unworthiness of her affection. He couldn't shake the memory of the sacrifices made by loved ones, the lives lost in their fight against darkness, and the heavy burden now resting on his shoulders. How could he allow himself happiness when so many had suffered because of him? Ginny's steadfast love only deepened his internal conflict, torn between feeling compelled to save her and feeling utterly undeserving of her affection. Each move on the chessboard mirrored the intricate battle raging within him, a battle he knew he couldn't afford to lose.
With Ron and Hermione embarking on their journey to Australia, Harry saw his opportunity to delve into finding a solution to lift the curse without arousing suspicion from his friends. The weight of keeping this hidden from them gnawed at him, yet he couldn't shake the conviction that it wasn't his secret to reveal. Despite his discomfort, he resolved to keep this solemn promise, if only to spare Ginny any further distress. He could at least do that for her. Each step he took towards uncovering the truth was laden with the responsibility of protecting her, even if it meant bearing the weight of secrecy alone.
HGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHG
"There's absolutely nothing in here," Harry ground out between clenched teeth, his frustration mounting with each passing moment.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there's nothing left to explore upstairs either," Neville grimly announced.
"Damn it!" Harry exclaimed, his fist connecting forcefully with the wall beside him in aggravation.
After Ron and Hermione had left, they had meticulously combed through every inch of the property for the past three days, scouring it for any shred of lead or clue, only to come up empty-handed.
"I can't say I didn't see this coming," Ginny admitted, her voice steady despite the underlying tension. She struggled to maintain her composure in front of her friends, but deep down, she couldn't deny the fact that she yearned for a breakthrough, any glimmer of hope to alleviate the burden weighing on her shoulders. Something, anything other than the impossible available option would have made her life tremendously better, "But honestly, I would have settled for even a small reprieve at this point, something that would tune him down a bit, I guess," she confessed, her words tinged with resignation.
"I'm not giving up," Harry declared, his eyes ablaze with unwavering determination. "I'm certain there's something we've overlooked here." Ginny lowered her gaze, her expression reflecting a mixture of uncertainty and doubt, while Neville regarded Harry with a hesitant glance.
"I know it may seem impossible to find what we're searching for, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist," Harry continued, a faint chuckle escaping him as he recalled a distant memory. "I think that's what Hermione told me back when we were on the run. Even when all hope seemed lost and I was ready to throw in the towel, she insisted upon that. It wasn't easy, but we managed to unravel everything eventually."
It hit Ginny suddenly like a bolt of lightning, illuminating the darkness of uncertainty. Her mind raced as she connected the dots, realizing with clarity what Harry was implying. It wasn't just about their current predicament; he was drawing a parallel to the enigma that had plagued the entire wizarding world—the mystery of how he had ultimately triumphed over Voldemort. She turned to look at Neville, and he seemed to be arriving at the same conclusion, judging by his bewildered expression as he stared at Harry.
"I guess we should probably take a break," Harry suggested, his face flushed as he fidgeted slightly before heading for the door. "Ginny, could you let your mother know I'll be having dinner with Hagrid tonight?"
Ginny began to nod in acknowledgement, but Harry had already left.
"You know, sometimes I just completely forget that Harry was the one who eventually finished... him," Neville remarked quietly.
"You and me, both... Neville," Ginny responded, shaking off the surreal feeling that had gripped her. "You and me, both."
HGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHG
Under the cover of the night, a tranquil atmosphere settled over Hagrid's hut. The moonlight filtered through the branches, casting silvery beams of light that danced upon the weathered walls. The night air was cool and refreshing, carrying with it the distant hooting of owls and the rustle of nocturnal creatures in the surrounding forest. Inside the cosy interior, the flickering flames of a crackling fire in the hearth cast a warm, golden glow, illuminating the room with a comforting light. The sounds of Fang's gentle breathing filled the space, punctuated by the occasional crackle of burning wood. The air was infused with the scent of pine and earth, creating a serene and inviting ambience that beckoned visitors to linger and enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of the night.
Hagrid and Harry sat just outside the hut at a rough-hewn wooden table, their dinner spread before them. The flickering glow of lanterns hung overhead, casting a soft, warm light over the scene. The crackling fire nearby provided both warmth and comfort as they enjoyed their meal in companionable silence.
The night sky stretched out above them, a vast expanse dotted with twinkling stars. Occasionally, a gentle breeze would rustle through the trees, causing the leaves to whisper softly in the darkness.
As they ate, Hagrid regaled Harry with tales of his latest adventures in the Forbidden Forest, interspersed with hearty laughter and the occasional roar of Fang, who lay contentedly at their feet. Harry listened attentively, his mind momentarily free from the weight of his own worries and responsibilities.
In that moment, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature and the comforting presence of a dear friend, Harry found himself feeling a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time. And for a brief moment, all was right with the world.
"So, how's Ron holding up? And Hermione?" Hagrid inquired, a jovial twinkle in his eye as he motioned for Harry to join him in a sip of mead.
"They're in Australia," Harry replied, his nose wrinkling at the sight of the peculiar-looking steak on his plate.
"Are they now," Hagrid responded, seemingly unperturbed by Harry's reaction. "Headmistress McGonagall filled me in a day or two ago, but I didn't reckon they'd be off before the ceremony."
"Well, Kingsley insisted," Harry commented, his fingers idly toying with Fang's fur. "It'd be a real shame if they missed seeing their daughter receive the most prestigious and honourable award a witch can get," he added, a note of bitterness creeping into his tone.
Hagrid nodded thoughtfully, taking a swig of his mead before setting the tankard down with a hearty thud. "Ah, I see," he rumbled, his gaze drifting upward to the stars as if contemplating the distance to Australia. "Well, I reckon they'll be back before we know it. Can't keep good friends away for too long, can we?"
Harry managed a weak smile, grateful for Hagrid's attempt to lighten the mood. "No, I suppose not," he agreed, taking a sip of his drink and forcing himself to focus on the conversation at hand.
As they continued their meal, the conversation turned to lighter topics, with Hagrid sharing amusing anecdotes about his latest experiments with magical creatures and Harry recounting some of his own adventures from the past years. The atmosphere was warm and jovial, the bond of friendship between them palpable in the air.
"Ah, Harry, just a moment before you go," Hagrid interjected as the dinner came to a close and Harry readied himself to return to the Burrow. "Firenze wanted me to pass on a message. He said he needs to speak with you."
Harry paused, his brow furrowing in curiosity. "Firenze? What does he want to talk to me about?"
Hagrid shrugged, his expression indicating that he was just the messenger. "Didn't say, but he seemed pretty insistent. Said it was important."
Harry nodded a mixture of intrigue and apprehension swirling within him. "Alright, thanks for letting me know, Hagrid. I'll go see him before I head back."
With a farewell to Hagrid, Harry stepped out of the tiny garden, the mystery of Firenze's message tugging at his thoughts as he made his way toward the centaur's dwelling.