The Black Lake

by Ksummerforever

After years of waiting, it seems there is no Chosen One after all. At the Final Battle, Death Eaters have descended upon Hogwarts, and Voldemort is determined to punish Ginny for her crimes. She is placed under a curse- condemned as a mermaid to the Black Lake. One year later, a traumatized Harry sits on the shores of the lake and catches a glimpse of a redhead long thought dead.

18. Chapter 18

A/N: Things get a bit steamy…

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CHAPTER 18

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Night of Imbolc

Something was wrong.

Standing at the mouth of the grotto, wand clenched in hand so tightly it grew hot, he stared fixedly at the ground as his heart beat forcefully against his ribs. Ron, Hermione and Connor Blake were arguing, mouths moving and hands gesturing frantically, but Harry heard none of it. A buzzing was filling his ears, drowning out the voices around him. Equal amounts of dread and panic churned in his chest, squeezing the air out of his heavy lungs.

He had known it. He had sensed something wasn't right, had seen something in her eyes he didn't like, something in her words that had chilled him, but... Regret burned like acid in the back of his throat. Why had he let it go? Why hadn't he pushed her for answers?

The very last leaf of the Moon Plant lay in his upturned palm. After weeks of searching, they had been unable to procure another plant, and propagating a sister plant could take weeks. More importantly, it would require the use of the leaf he now held in his palm.

He stared down at the water of the Black Lake, so eerily still and dark, but not as dark as the thoughts accosting him. No doubt something had happened, something that had made Ginny nervous. Scared. But she had brushed all his inquiries away, insisted everything was fine. She had been hiding something. Holding back. The thought stung painfully.

What had she been hiding?

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Two Weeks Earlier

This felt a lot like flying, Ginny thought dazedly. It reminded her so much of that memory of her in the sky, when she was floating above the ground. This time, instead of flying across a green meadow, she felt like she was rising to the top of the grotto, past the stone barrier, and up into the cool night air. Delicious sensations were setting every nerve on fire, and she never wanted it to stop. Deprived for so long from emotions and senses and just being able to feel something… made her hungry and greedy for them. Grasping them tightly, she wanted to hold on to them for as long as possible until they were pried from her fingers.

They were wound together in the grotto. On her back, she lay sprawled across Harry's cloak, the thick wool of it cushioning her from the rocky ground. Eyes closed, hair spread across the dark fabric, she was completely at the mercy of the boy above her. Lean muscles were tense under her hands, warm lips moved across the pulse of her neck, one hand tangled in her hair, and the other trailed the smooth skin of her leg. The touches made her heart flutter. They had already had a few evenings together, when she would take the leaves to suspend the curse and she would have one precious hour in her human form. When she had her human legs, his hands would wander to them, like he couldn't control the urge to touch them, to glide his palms along her expanse of skin. She was more than willing to let him, because the only thing better than being back in her human form was having Harry's warm hands feel every bit of her like she was the greatest treasure in the world. This evening had started much like the others. She took the leaf, and he comforted her in the painful transition, which was becoming easier to bear each time. The comfort led to conversation, both deep and mundane. Conversation led to kisses, kisses led to touching, and his scorching hands mapped out her legs. This time, however, he had pulled back abruptly, his pupils dark enough to make her shiver. Then he gently eased her to lie down on her back, before hovering over her. Dark eyes questioned her, and with a hitched breath she nodded. "I'm okay," she whispered. Then he descended on her, lips hungry and demanding, taking every bit of her she was willing to give. But she was just as hungry as him.

The weight of his body was settled partially- pleasantly- on hers. It was warm, so warm, she thought she could feel moisture evaporating from their skin. Eyelashes fluttering, she let out a sigh of pleasure and held him tighter against her when his lips moved to her collarbone. No, this was definitely better- entwined like this with him, feeling his warmth and touch and lips and hands and dear gods it felt so good- this was better than flying. It had to be. Her breathing was becoming shallow, and her hand moved to his hair. It was like when she was in her Mermaid form and out of the water for too long, she thirsted and craved to be back in the water. Now in her human form, the thirst and craving wasn't for the water, but for him. Despite how close she held him to her, she was suddenly feeling restless, and she began shifting underneath him. Harry's kisses had moved to her shoulder, tongue licking and tasting her skin and she moaned. Need was bubbling up within her- for what she wasn't sure- but her body seemed to know because without having to think she wrapped her legs around him, her sash riding up to her hips as she pressed herself against him. Yes, right there, she needed pressure right there between her legs and she felt his hardness against a spot that made her go dizzy. Harry's breath caught in his throat against her shoulder. He had nudged the strap of her top off and she could feel his hot breath on her bare shoulder, his lips on her upper breast. Moving her hips again to get pressure on that perfect spot, she let out a mewl of pleasure when she felt his hips respond and push back. Yes, right there. The hand that had been tracing her leg darted to her hip and squeezed her until she gasped. She thought she heard him swear softly, and she had the sudden unexplainable urge to tear away all the layers in between them. His hot mouth was moving across her breast, and she could feel a tingling sensation in her nipples. Her thighs clenched tightly around him, and the need inside her cheered. She rocked herself against him but quickly she was wanting more and more and she reached up to tug down her top, wanting to free her breasts that suddenly felt trapped, wanting him to taste them-

A deep, rumbling suddenly escaped Harry's lips. She froze, thinking he was in pain, that she had hurt him somehow. Eyes wide open, she held his face in her hands. He was breathing like he had just sprinted down from the castle. He seemed uninjured, but there was something, and she wasn't sure if that something was good or bad. He held himself above her, tense muscles standing out in his arms. His dark hair was disheveled, his shirt was wrinkled, and his cheeks were flushed. Ragged breaths came from swollen lips, and his eyes- oh my. They were so very dark, and the raw desire she saw in them sent a river of heat roaring through her, making her involuntarily clench her legs. The need inside her demanded attention again, and grabbing the loosened tie around his neck, she pulled him back down to her. He kissed her fiercely, bruising her lips with his, but he held himself slightly away from the very place she wished he wouldn't.

"Ginny," he panted, looking like he was torn between wrenching himself off of her or collapsing on top of her. "I'm barely under control here." His chest rose and fell in uneven breaths, there was pain in his eyes, like he was being stretched out on a rack, and his fingers dug into her skin as if she might escape his hold. "If we keep going, I don't know if I'll be able to stop. I'm desperate for you right now. Mad for you. I've dreamed of having you like this, of you giving yourself to me, dreamed about it for weeks. Now I have you here, and you are driving me over the edge."

He seemed to be waiting for an answer, pleading for it. The sight made her ache inside, and she reached for him, but he snagged her hands in his. "Gin," he held her hands to his chest, and she could feel his pounding heart, "I'm worried I'm taking too much."

That was his worry? If she hadn't been so out of breath she would have laughed. Licking her lips, she felt a thrill when his eyes followed the movement. "Then you don't need to worry at all, because I think I'm taking just as much."

His eyes widened slightly, but she didn't have time for that. Reaching up to him, she grabbed him by the tie and yanked him back down to her lips, determined to keep him close. Her legs returned to his sides and pulled him against her, and she smiled into their kiss when he groaned and swore again. The feel of him pushing on the pressure she felt between her legs now felt necessary for survival. It was warm, so warm, and they were melting together. The restlessness was starting to return, the spot between her legs greedy for even more attention. Breaking the kiss to suck in a breath and shift beneath him, he moved his lips to her ear, her jaw, nuzzling her head to the side to give him better access, and she felt his wet tongue against her racing pulse. Yes, more, more. His hand moved up her body, and he slid the strap of her top off of her other shoulder. Lips followed where the strap once was, hot and wet, making the need inside her flare. It was consuming and frustrating, and she could hardly enjoy the sensations that had started out as wonderful. Agitated, she suddenly felt like her top was suffocating her. Harry pulled back, placing a hand on her cheek.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

"My top," she growled, clawing at it. "It's- it's too tight, I feel like it's crushing me."

The warmth around her began to feel unbearable, making her suddenly claustrophobic.

"I can't bloody breathe," she tried to pull the front away from her chest. "I need it off. Get it off. Please, Harry, help me get it off. I need it off now, please!"

The green eyes above her gleamed in the dim light of the grotto, and had she not been so panicked she would have been mesmerized. "Harry," she pressed impatiently, "help me with this."

He swallowed heavily, his throat bobbing, and she watched the hesitance flee, replaced by something raw and primal.

"Gladly."

Two strong hands reached between her breasts and grasped her white top, and in one motion he ripped the thing in two, tearing it off of her.

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Night of Imbolc

The frenzy finally quieted. Panic was still ripe in the air, but instead of the shouts and arguments between Blake, Ron and Hermione, they stood sentinel aside Harry as he looked out across the Black Lake. In the dark of night, only small reflections of moonlight were visible in the depths of the lake. A hand came to Harry's shoulder. Ron was shaken. Worried. Hermione and Blake looked no better. But all of them were looking at him. Waiting. Harry took a moment to eye the three of them. He had only known Ron and Hermione for a short time, but the friendship had come so easily. It made him wonder if they could have been friends at Hogwarts.

"Mate," Ron said quietly, "We've got to go down there."

Hermione gasped, then immediately fell into a tirade. Reminding them that humans were not safe in the Lake, of how Ginny had warned the Merpeople would likely hurt them, even kill them if they could. Blake stood next to her with an open textbook, muttering to himself with his wand in his mouth while he traced the lines of the page with his finger.

Harry turned to Ron and nodded. "Right. I'm assuming you can swim?"

Hermione erupted in a fresh tirade, which they both ignored.

"Oi," he replied, looking mock offended, "I'll try not to take offense to that. I'm not as stupid as I look."

"No offense intended, mate," Harry said, hands held up. Now that his initial wave of panic had subsided, the cogs in his brain were spinning, clicking together as plans formed. Ron began shushing Hermione, who was still in the throes of hysteria.

"Right. We need a lookout on the surface. Someone needs to talk to Madam Pomfrey and have her available. We'll also need to notify McGonagall. I don't care how pissed she'll be, we need to tell her. Now, have you done the Bubblehead Charm before?" He gestured to Ron.

Before Ron could answer, Blake interjected, pointing to his textbook.

"Actually, I wonder if Gillyweed might be a better option for us, Mr. Potter. I'm not quite as adept at the Bubblehead Charm, and the Gillyweed might be a little less off-putting for the Merpeople-"

"You aren't going, Blake."

"What?"

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Two Weeks Ago

Harry hovered above her, the shredded remains of her white top hanging from his hands. She could finally breathe with the blasted thing off of her, could finally suck the cool air into her lungs, but it was difficult to do so with the way he was staring down at her. A breeze wafted into the grotto, chilling her freshly exposed skin. A shudder went up her spine, traveling down her nerves. Her nipples hardened in the humid air, the knuckles of Harry's fist going white as they did. The heat of his gaze roamed her chest, watching the deep breaths she took as her breasts moved up and down, the heat rushing down all the way to her toes. Part of her wanted to reach up and yank him back down to her, but another part of her was purring in pleasure under his scrutiny. One of his hands rose slowly to her breast, gently cupping the softness under his palm. Yes. Her back arched into his touch. Reaching down, she grasped his other hand and held it to her other breast. His hands squeezed her and she moaned. Then she was pulling him closer because she needed more. She cried out softly when his mouth wrapped around her nipple, licking and sucking and making her see stars. Searing heat filled her core, throbbing between her legs. She tried to move her hips to that perfect spot where his hardness would rub against her, but she couldn't get it quite right. Even with the pleasure he was giving her breasts, and what pleasure it was, the restlessness and agitation returned, threatening to ruin the moment. Arching her back to chase the high, it still wasn't enough. Angry at herself, she let out a huff. Harry nearly flew off of her at the sound, and she was left immediately bereft with his mouth separated from her.

"Shit, Ginny. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

"What? What are you talking about?" She panted.

His brow furrowed, "I thought I pushed you too far, I'm sorry-"

"Don't," she interrupted, trying to catch her breath, "Don't be sorry, it's not you. It's not you at all."

"What is it then?"

"It's… I'm…" How could she possibly explain? "Everything feels so nice, so wonderful, but it's like I'm… agitated. I don't want you to stop, really I don't. I love how it feels when you kiss me here," she gestured to her breasts, "but it's like something is building inside me, and I can't think about anything else, anything at all. I need you closer, somehow. It wasn't quite right before… I need to feel you pressed against me, but I really need to feel you…" she glanced between her legs, cheeks flaming with mortification. "I can't say it, Harry. But I think you must know, you're looking at me like you know…oh, gods, can't you help me? I feel like I'm about to lose my mind and I don't know why, I just really need… I need…" She looked to him for help, begged him for help. His green eyes were hooded, and his shoulders relaxed. He leaned down to her, lips just an inch away from brushing hers.

"Shh. I understand now. I know what you need." He left a soft kiss on her cheek

She swallowed, both nervous and relieved. "You do?"

"Yes," he breathed. "Unfortunately, we don't have very much time, so we couldn't possibly do everything, and there is so much I want to show you. I refuse to rush through that. But there is something else. Other things I can show you. I'll help you. I can make it better. Would you like that?"

She had never wanted anything more.

"Oh, yes, please!"

"Then I will. I'm going to touch you now, is that alright? I'll make the ache go away. I know what you need."

Her exuberance faltered slightly at his words. "Touch me? You touch me all the time-"

"Not like this." His words had a hard edge that chilled her, a glint of possessiveness in his emerald depths. It reminded her inexplicably of the young man who had condemned her to doom on the banks of the Black Lake. As if he heard her thoughts, his eyes softened. "Tell me to stop and I will. Tell me I'm going too far, and I'll end this right now. I could never hurt you, Gin. Never. It would kill me if I did. So you have to tell me now if this is okay, because I'm about one minute away from falling at your feet and begging you to let me touch you, to let me show you how wonderful I can make you feel."

Heat rushed up her neck, warmth and desire welling up inside her. She didn't run away- didn't try to stop him- just leaned closer still, placing a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth.

"Okay." She said softly.

He inhaled sharply, brilliant green eyes imploring. "Do you trust me?"

"Of course. More than anyone." And she meant it.

The corner of his mouth quirked like he could hardly believe she hadn't told him to sod his arse right off. "Alright then."

His lips were again on hers, and relief waved over her. As he kissed her, his hand traveled downward, squeezing and kneading her breast until her mouth opened up underneath his. Tongues tangled- touching and tasting- making the need rise up again sharply. When she began wriggling underneath him, he brought his thigh to her center. She could feel the muscle, firm under his trousers. Hand on her hip, he moved her slightly, helping her rub herself on him, easing the wonderful ache. He rocked his thigh up and down, creating such glorious friction, and when he cupped her breast she was nearly clawing at him.

"I need more," she gasped.

"I know. Hold tight to me." He shifted her upwards and rested to the side of her, resting her head on his arm. For a moment they just looked at each other, but a chime on Harry's watch told them they were quickly running out of time.

"Close your eyes," he breathed, running a hand through her hair. "Don't think about the time, just try to clear your mind. Focus on my touch."

She hardly thought she needed direction for that- as his touch seemed to be the only thing at all she could focus on. Eyes closed, she could feel the gentle puffs of his breathing. His hand cupped the underside of her breast, making her lips quirk in happiness. Two fingers moved to her nipple, squeezing the soft pink tip until it hardened. He tugged on her nipple and the sensation went straight between her legs, making her wet with need. Biting her lip, she whimpered, wondering how this could feel like pleasure and torture at the same time. She felt Harry's trousers against her leg, his hardness against her hip, and the subtle movement he made as he rubbed against her.

More.

As if she spoke it out loud, his hand left her breast, moving down to her navel. He circled it with his fingers, before moving slowly further down.

"Open your legs for me, Gin." He breathed against her neck, nipping at her skin. "Let me touch you."

She obliged, biting her lip and trying bravely not to be embarrassed as she complied. His hand moved to her inner thigh, trailing upward, disappearing underneath the fabric around her waist. A loud groan rumbled in his chest when his fingers reached the slick arousal between her legs. A gasp left her lips when his fingers continued upward and she had to stop herself from bucking up against him. Spreading herself further, she moaned and moved her hips to follow the movement of his fingers as he touched that delicious spot.

Yes, right there. It was perfect, so perfect.

Nearly delirious, her back was arching as he pleasured her with his fingers. His touch was just where she wanted, just where she needed it. The desire was winding so tightly within her, that she could hardly breathe.

"That's it," Harry breathed in her ear, "Feel my fingers. Feel me touch you. I want you to fall apart for me."

So close to the edge, she was sprinting to leap over it. He wanted to watch her fall apart, but he was the only thing holding her together. His mouth, his fingers, his gravelly voice, all made her body hum, made her feel like she was slowly filling up with sunlight. His name left her lips in a breathy moan, and when it did, his mouth was back on her breast.

"You're nearly there," his voice was strained. "Let yourself go. I want to see it. Come for me. Come for me, Gin."

Rising higher and higher, light bright as the sun was filling her to the brim, ready to spill out of her in beams of ecstasy. His tongue circled her nipple-warm and wet- and the sunlight inside of her burst into flames. Her body went rigid, and it was a rogue wave crashing violently against the shore. Heat and warmth exploded within her, and she rose to dizzying heights. His touch was relentless, pushing her through wave after wave of pleasure. Harry's lips mapped her hammering pulse, moving between her neck, her lips, and her cheeks. As the last wave crested, and she lay collapsed in a heap of jellied limbs, the tingling started in her legs, signaling the loss of her human legs. Unable to look up, unable to move or care, she lay there in sated pleasure, miles away from the earth, a tired grin on her face.

Every fear, every frustration that had burdened her since she first broke through the surface of her prison was washed away from this moment, taken away with the tide of her release. She knew her body had been waiting for something, anticipated something, and it was worth every second ten times over.

Harry shuffled around her trembling body, wrapping her in his arms and pulling her close. Head on his chest, the roaring waves began gently receding. She was floating back down from the sky and stars and back into the grotto. Moving her head, she looked up at him. He kissed her forehead, pushing the damp hair out of her face. A tingling light erupted in her feet, spreading up her legs. The time was already gone. The thirst for the lake water began to take hold, and she moved away from Harry to slide down into the water. Cool liquid sated the thirst, but there was still a small flame of warmth inside her. Harry moved and sat on the edge of the ground, feet dangling into the water. Slowly she drew herself to him, laying her heavy head on his thigh, while her Mermaid tail swirled languidly in the water. Fingers trailed through her long hair, and though his touch was gentle and sweet, his body was tense, muscles contracted.

"Are you alright?" She asked.

Shifting a bit, he looked away. "It's nothing, I'm alright. Really."

"It doesn't seem like nothing."

As he shifted, she could see the hardness beneath his trousers. Redness bloomed in Harry's cheeks as she stared. He needed release as well.

"Harry, what can I do? That looks uncomfortable."

"It's more than uncomfortable," he groaned, "but I'll be fine. I can take care of it later."

He flinched a bit when she sat back, placing her hands on each of his thighs.

"What do you need to take care of it? Can you not do it right now? Do you want me to help you?"

The muscles in his thighs went rigid with her words, and he pulled at his shirt collar. "It's fine, I don't want to ruin the moment, just wait a min- Ginny!"

The hand that had run across the front of his trousers stopped.

"Am I doing it wrong? Do you not want me to touch you?"

"No, Ginny, that's the problem I really, really want you to touch me, but-"

Resuming her stroking, his words were choked off. After a few moments of her gentle touches, he calmed down enough to undo his belt. Mouth dry, she helped him lower his trousers. The water of the Black Lake she was floating in was nowhere near cold enough to stifle the flare of heat she felt at the sight of him. Wide-eyed, water lapping around her chest and neck, she watched in fascination as he took himself in hand, his eyes hooded and so dark they could have been black when he gazed down at her.

Do you see what you do to me? He seemed to say. You're so beautiful. No, he actually was saying these things out loud, the words were so quiet and strained she could barely hear them. His hand moved up and down, up and down. Her hands moved tentatively closer. He had wanted her to touch him, he had said so not a moment ago. Watching his movements carefully, she stilled his hand, placing her own on top. Thinking he would just continue on this way, she was surprised when he let go of himself, and placed her hand around his length. His hand clasped over hers, and he helped her move back into the rhythm of stroking himself. Ginny felt a thrill of heat touching him, wanting so badly to make him feel just as good as she had. Perhaps she was doing an adequate job, because Harry let go of her hand, head tipping back with a strangled breath. Excitement was pounding in her heart and Harry seemed more and more lost to the world, and she desperately hoped it was because of her, because of what she was doing. The flesh she held in her hands seemed to grow hotter and firmer with each stroke. With a sharp exhale, Harry's wrist suddenly shot out and grabbed her own. He adjusted her grip tighter, moving her faster and faster. His eyes fluttered, head tipping back. With a groan and a shudder he thrust forward into her grip, pulsing and pulsing into her hands as he finally found his own release. The adrenaline of the evening quickly wore off, and after cleaning himself with his wand, he drew her back into his lap, where he placed a kiss and a whispered' thank you' into her hair. The grotto was serene and still, and the lovers felt no cold from water or air, only peace in the afterglow. They were both coated in sweat, both still breathing a bit shallow as they held each other. No words were necessary- not from either of them- just two lost souls who felt like they were exactly where they belonged. It was several tranquil minutes they sat there together, Harry's hand tracing a lock of her hair absentmindedly.

"Imbolc will be here soon." He said quietly.

"Yes," she replied.

"Are you nervous?"

Slipping further into the water so she could see his face, she shrugged. "A bit,"

He raised an eyebrow, and she blushed, grabbing his hand and studying it so she had somewhere else to look. "Well, maybe more than a bit."

He smiled gently. "It's okay if you're nervous. Is there anything in particular that's worrying you?"

Fiddling with his fingers, she thought carefully about her answer.

"It's like I said, I'm just nervous," she gave him a weak smile before looking down again, "but I'm also very excited, only two more weeks of this Mermaid tail. I suppose eventually I'll come to miss it a bit, but I much prefer being human. You've done a good job of convincing me."

"Gin," he reached down to her chin, directing her gaze to his, "talk to me. Tell me what's going through your mind."

Swallowing hard, she hesitated. "I-I just…There isn't anything in particular, it's just I want everything to go right, I want this to work. It's just nerves, that's all. Really."

Harry looked like he wanted to press her further, studying her for a moment. Seeming to let it go, he nodded "Alright. If you're sure?"

"I am," she nodded. "It's going to be great."

He leaned down and kissed her forehead, and she rested against his leg again. For a moment she wondered if she should say more, but she shook the thought away. Harry would be there. Harry would protect her.

She really didn't need to worry.

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Day After Imbolc

Harry stood knee-deep on the banks of the Black Lake at dawn. That night in the grotto kept hovering in the background of his panicked thoughts, and he had to keep shaking the memories away. He needed to focus- emotion would only hinder him. It had been over six hours since Ginny hadn't appeared for the Imbolc ritual. Six hours of worry, pacing, panicking and planning, and he wasn't about to wait a moment longer.

Ginny knew the plan. She would have done anything to be there. So the only logical conclusion was that something had happened to her.

Shoving down the thought- and the dreaded emotions clamped onto it- he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, focusing on lowering his heart rate. Conjuring up his years of training with Sirius, he allowed himself to detach and become the other Harry he had been for so many years- the cunning, stealthy, fighting Harry. The panic subsided, and he exhaled slowly.

"Okay," he said, turning and nodding to the man next to him, "you ready, mate?"

Ron smirked back. "Please. Auror, remember? I'll be fine. It's you I'm worried about, it's been over a year since you've found a dark lord to kill. Do you remember how your wand works?"

Harry rolled his eyes at the dig. "I prefer to keep my life free of ulcers and PTSD."

Ron's brow furrowed. "Don't you have both of those things?"

A loud 'smacking' sound interrupted them as Connor Blake stretched out a large pair of swimming goggles and snapped them into place.

"This is the best day of my life." He stood proudly in a probably too-small swim costume and matching water wings, grinning ear to ear. Waddling over to Ron, he handed him a brightly colored bottle. "Mind oiling me up? Sunburn charm never does it for me, I burn faster than a Kneazle in heat. Be sure to get my thighs real good."

Ron chucked the bottle back at the man in annoyance. Ignoring his own irritation, Harry turned back to the lake and grasped the Elder wand.

Time to go find Ginny.

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TBC

Thanks again to Gin1108811!