Chapter 14
Choices
They stayed at the lake for while just keeping each other company. "Thank you, Gin."
"Harry, you went all the way back down to the Chamber and distracted Riddle for me. The least I can do is give you an ear and a shoulder."
"I love you, Gin, it's as simple as that."
"And I wish you would realize it works both ways, Harry."
"I'm getting there… slowly.. but I am. That's why you're hearing this. And for what it's worth, that's the worst."
Gin closed her eyes in realization, "Merlin."
"We really are just two broken people sometimes aren't we?" Harry asked.
Ginny sighed and looked up to Harry. She wrapped around his neck, took a look at those emerald eyes again, happy to see they had stopped crying. "Ya, but I think that's why we work. Broken in the same way and together, we fix each other." She leaned in to comfort kiss him which Harry needed and accepted happily.
"Harry, how, in the name of Merlin, and in all that is holy, did you endure everything you have and still come out …. You?"
Harry shrugged, then blessedly he grinned again. "Magic."
Ginny took so much comfort in a dumb joke and cocky grin. Her Harry was going to be okay.
They portkeyed back to Hogwarts. It was late enough that it was past lights out.. On the walk back they didn't encounter anyone to give hall passes actually too, except the painting of the Fat Lady who simply said "You too, again?"
Ever the direct one Ginny simply replied, "What of it?"
Harry took out the Hall Passes. "I can't believe you're the one I need to show these to, but we are legitimate with a teacher's approval and everything.
"We'd like to go to bed now, " Ginny said bluntly. "Are you opening up or do I need to put your feet to the fire so to speak?"
"Well… I never!" the Fat Lady exclaimed as she relented and opened.
The commons were empty and quiet, that's how late they were. They walked hand in hand. Harry reflexively started to walk Ginny to the girls' dorm, until she stopped him.
"C'mon Harry, you break yourself open like that tonight and you think you're NOT having me for comfort? Not happening."
"I'll be okay, Gin. You've been great."
"But you'll be better with me near, won't you?" she replied, wrapping around him.
"I don't deserve you." he said, grabbing his cloak.
"Debatable, but we will do that tomorrow."
It was the weekend of fall equinox, The leaves were in brilliant color, and the teaching staff decided cider should flow freely for the weekend. So most of the school smelled sweetly of apples and cinnamon. The ever present aroma reminded the Weasleys of the orchard and home so they wrote letters back home. Harry happily let Hedwig to Ginny for the delivery. "I dearly love that little pigmy puff, but Arnold isn't really the mail carrying type, you know." she explained.
Harry shrugged, "Don't worry about it. I have always been happy to lend Hedwig. Tell Molly I say 'Hi'."
He said it so dismissively she could tell he didn't even register it, but Ginny did smile. "Molly? Finally dropping Mrs. Weasley?"
Harry smirked. "I've said that a few times now, thank you."
"True, but that's the first I've seen where it seemed natural. Not a correction." she said with a smile and an elbow to his side. "But happy to hear it though."
"It has been three months, Harry," Luna observed. "It would be only natural for you to start thinking of her in a maternal way." Ginny gestured and nodded to her friend. With autumn in beauty and a week left before their self imposed deadline for their Muggle Study Owl, Harry made the executive decision to grab his blanket and their ciders and they found space under a few oaks to study outside amidst the falling leaves.
After a few more rounds of practice questions. Luna finally voiced a question that had been on her mind. "Harry, I am aware we are all friends."
"Thank Merlin you realized that now." Harry smiled.
"And you have been a wonderful teacher. But what happens if I fail?"
Ginny rolled her eyes and smiled. She already knew Harry would handle this. He was becoming quite skilled at talking with his adopted little sister.
"Nothing happens, Luna. At least nothing bad." he said calmly, even with a bit of cheer
"You won't be disappointed in me?"
"Not at all, Lu. We're all trying something hard. Now, I hope by now, you know I will try to look out for you." She nodded gently in agreement. "Good. Well, please believe me when I say, I wouldn't have scheduled you two for O.W.L.s if I didn't think you two were ready."
"Thank you, Harry."
"But even if you get test anxiety or a nargle gets in the way or something and you don't pass this time, all that will happen is we study up more and try again in a week or two."
Luna smiled. "Harry, I have a charm against nargles." she said, pulling her necklace out and showing it off.
"Well, it sounds like you are all set then." he said sipping his cider. Ginny leaned over and gave him a for his kindness.
The weekend was largely devoted to Luna and Ginny and study. In truth, he was feeling good about their O.W.L.s. He felt as if he'd been thrown into too many no win situations in the past. He wasn't about to throw either of these ladies into tha. It was also a distraction for him, but it was a good one. He was never going to feel bad about time with Ginny. Luna was just a heart of kindness in a quirky bottle. After the memories he had drudged up Friday night, he treated himself to extended time with her with Gin and he.
In potions class he was trying to keep himself distracted. With his cooking approach he was adapting to class and settling into nipping at Hermione's heels, occasionally getting a one up. (To her frustration.) Monday he brought a second set of equipment as he felt comfortable enough with the blood replenishing potion, he opted to brew a unique potion of his own as well.
"Harry, m'boy," Professor Slughorn greeted with great curiosity. "What are you doing here?"
Harry was keeping keen focus on both work areas. With stop watches from his quidditch coaching laying on by each. "The left is the assigned blood replenisher. The right is a modified pain killer potion I am trying to develop."
"Really? Whose are you brewing?" Slughorn asked with a twinkle in his eye.
Still focused on the work. "Well sir, the base is your migraine potion. I am brewing some pepper up into it with a stronger dittany mix, and adding in some hangover cure." As he moved to work on the blood replenisher he pointed to his notes on the painkiller. Feel free to review my notes. But I'm literally using them to please keep them there."
Slughorn read over the notes. "Harry, alchemically speaking, I have no complaints with your, actually rather impressive work here, but what you are proposing is an incredibly strong headache tonic."
"That is the intent, Professor."
"But what would you need that for?"
"Gift from Riddle, sir." Harry replied very matter of factly. "For years, his scar has given head aches near the level of a Crucio spell… and I would know. I am trying to use your example to use potions to solve my problem."
"Oh-ho, well done m'boy… I'll leave you to your work. But I would truly appreciate a sample of it when done. "
"Anything for you, Professor." When Slughorn left, Harry looked over to Ron and Hermione. Ron was barely containing a laugh. Hermione was thoroughly annoyed. Then Harry had to push it. He winked.
"Alright Harry, what are you doing?" Hermione demanded as she came to his areas.
"Shite," Ron said as she abandoned her brew. He started bouncing between his and hers, keeping them both stirring.
"Exactly, what I said I was," When she got closer, he also muttered, "in an attempt to charm the man."
"Harry, look at your setup here. You've added a block of wood."
"A chopping board, it increases the surface area of ingredients, and brings out flav- potency."
"Tiny spoons?"
"Measuring spoons, for accurate measurements."
"Stopwatches?" she asked, less accusatory, slipping into curiosity.
"Accurate timing." he said, continuing to prep.
She started looking even closer. Thermometers, a tea strainer, a funnel.
"This actually isn't from the Prince's books is it?"
"You saw me burn the book, 'Mione. This is all a Potter original."
Putting the pieces together and realizing, "You're trying to merge: science, cooking, and potion making?"
"Yep," Harry said. Hermione stared at him in disbelief. "Miracle, You will alway be the brightest witch of the age. Likely, will always be ahead of me. But I'm no slouch either. I've spent the last several months trying to be better at a lot of things. Something academic was bound to happen sooner or later." he smiled. By the end of class he pulled out a couple of empty wine bottles from his bag and started bottling his brews.
"Harry?" Hermimone asked.
Focusing on his work, he replied, "Tell me I'm not going to need medical supplies in the future.
"Hey mate," Ron asked, "Got an extra for me?"
"Absolutely."
Realizing the logic of the situation, Hermione surrendered. "Me too."
Harr passed around small single dose bottles to hand in for homework.
In the hall Hermione asked for a moment. "Sure, what's up."
She stood very tall and rigid. Ron could tell she was nervous and awkward so gave her some space. "I feel … I - I -I owe you an apology," she forced out. Ron took another step back as his eyes went wide with amazement.
"For six years, I've chided both of you to try a little more in class. I guess I'm just surprised you both are finally. Your science and cooking approach to potions is unorthodox, but I can see your logic to it."
"That had to be hard to say 'Mione." He replied with a one handed hug. "Things change. And you haven't been that bad or anything so don't feel bad. We're mates. No worries. Can you relax now?"
"Yes, Harry." she said with a smile. Then turned to Ron, "Don't think I didn't see you."
"Figured you did." Ron shrugged. "But I also saw you step up and do one of the harder things for you and admit when you're wrong. Nicely done by the way." He kiss her cheek for her efforts.
Lunch was the biggest shock. When they got to the table, Neville was technically and physically there, but it was clear his mind was far away.
"Neville, mate, what's up?" Harry asked.
He didn't change his view, just stared into the cider in his hand. "Hanna's mum…Death Eaters got her."
Expletives of disbelief filled the table. Ron actually stepped up to be the kind one. "Oi, go, give her a shoulder."
"Been doing that most of the morning. Skipped a few classes."
"Any idea how long she'll be gone?" Hermione asked.
Neville swallowed. "There is talk of pulling out of Hogwarts completely. Switch to private tutoring. Her Dad's worried, you know?"
"When are the services?" Harry asked.
"Not sure yet. Later this week. McGonagall said she'd respect a few floo messages and grace to go. We are using the Links, so thanks again, Ginny"
"Happy they help, how can we?"
"Keep us posted, you'll have company." Harry volunteered.
"Harry, you don't-"
"Neville!" Ginny snapped, "We're friends!"
Harry pointed to his girlfriend and nodded in agreement.
"Hannah too." Hermione added.
"Call me crazy," Harry said, "Something feels proper when something big happens, D.A. take care of its own. I feel bad we weren't there for Susan. I'll be damned if we're not for Hanna."
Neville nodded, "Thanks, the lot of you."
The rest of the day ranged from normal as best as can be expected. Finally at the end of A.C.T. he was going to ask to speak with Tonks, until the sergeant asked several of them to stay after, namely Harry's War Council and Luna.
"Thank you for your time. Firstly, Neville, I trust you are communicating with Hanna?
"Yes, Sergeant."
"First, my condolences. Second, with her father's blessing, I'd like the Squad to attend services, would you inquire for us?"
"Sergeant?"
"Hannah is part of the team. This class is more unique than similar to others. Potion Brewing is never going to hold the front. I will be surprised to see Divination class storm a team of Death Eaters. We take care of our own."
Somber smiles crossed the Gryffindors.
"Thank you. Harry said something similar."
"That's because Harry has natural leadership instincts, I'm not surprised," she said with a grin. "Please keep me posted Neville. Second. Miss Weasley, Cadet Lovegood, original plan was for you to take your O. Thursday. Still feel up to it?"
"Yes Ma'am," Ginny replied.
Luna in her quirkiness, just nodded energetically, highlighting their differences.
"As you wish, we will continue forward, thank you. Lovegood, you are dismissed."
Luna hopped off. Harry grinned yet again at how Luna could seem to bring cheer at any time or area.
"Alright, you six have passed your apparition tests, and shown high aptitude for everything I've put to you. I think it's time you took a shift on call this Friday. I will be selective, try to make sure we are not going against Riddle himself, but you lot are quickly getting to a point where field training would be of more benefit to you than the classroom. Given recent developments I am willing to wait a week. Preferences?"
Susan beat them all to the punch. "If I may, Sergeant. Most of us are here because we have scores to settle. Put us in the fight, ma'am." Nods from the rest confirmed.
"Alright I'll have your field uniforms available for pick up tomorrow. My thanks and respect. Oh and I've spoken to Professor McGonnagall, given the nature of work and hours that missions can be, she's willing to respect the deploying cadets the same privileges as prefects as identified by your Ministry Pins. Dismissed."
Harry remained. "May I have a word, Sergeant?"
"I thought you would want one." she replied. She waited for the rest to leave. She took her wand to lock the training room down to privacy. "At ease, have a seat. How are you?"
"For bookkeeping sake, Gin is up to speed. She's okay and I'm okay. However, now I have questions."
"Harry, the squad are my only students. Please ask away."
"Friday night I helped with your First Contact meeting. And I get it and it makes sense. And I heard you talk about follow up visits and materials. And that all makes sense. Granted Friday night got emotional for me and it took me through Saturday to really start thinking again. But yesterday, I was replaying events and it dawned on me. NONE of that stuff happened to me, why?"
This time Tonk's took a breath. "First rate mind Harry. I thought it would take you a week to suss through that. Saturday I apparated over to HQ. I pulled your file. " She pulled it out from a drawer and laid the aged manilla folder on her desk. "Take your time to read through it, but if you trust me I can give you the short version."
Harry nodded.
"Harry… your uncle was a sodding bastard. Visitation attempts were made no less than 20 times over the first 2 years you were with them. The last 4 he responded violently. When the office attempted a written or illusionary visit he actually learned enough about our office, to contact us, file complaints, and eventually a restraining order."
"What?! Vernon actually dealt with the wizarding world enough to file legal paperwork?
"Auror notes report he seemed 'particularly driven and vindictive' to find ways to 'put wizards in their place.'
"And with that report, he was still deemed the best person to be my guardian?"
"All statements were directed at the aurors, which often is the target of hate. So they did not believe malice was intended towards you."
"They were fucking wrong!"
"I know Harry. I know Harry." Tonks agreed neutrally.
"There are only a few points I can try to pull out of this. I would like to think I would not have been so blind, and I can only say if you choose to make this a career, use this as a lesson as to what to look out for."
Harry slouched in his chair rubbing his temple. "My whole damn life was such a shite show." He closed his eyes for a moment. Then another question came. "Sergeant, if Vernon succeeded in filing a restraining order when I was like 3 or 4, how the hell did I get the invitations from Hogwarts?"
"When you were 10, an Executive Order directly from Minister Bagnold was filed, citing 'national magical security' was filed receding the restraining order."
"The minister didn't even know me. Why?"
"Well first Harry, I think you underestimate your fame," Harry's eyes rolled. "But more relevant, there is an observation and opinion statement included on the importance of education, especially for those to whom fate has called, authored by the Headmaster of a leading school of witchcraft and wizarding."
"Dumbledore."
Tonks nodded.
"FUCK!" Harry shouted as he rose and started pacing. "So Vernon makes the decision I shouldn't have anything to do with magic. Then Dumbledore essentially drafts me into school. When the hell do I get to make my own decisions!"
"That's a fair feeling, Harry. If it means anything to you. I think you are already on your way with moving out. Even before that when you started D.A. Those are all you. For what it's worth, as much as I can within our command structure I will always give you a choice."
Harry nodded in frustrated agreement. "I know, I get it, it's just… argh! Thank you Sergeant."
Once the hall opened up Harry originally was heading to the locker room and the gym. But a worried redhead stood up from the floor and caught him on the floor. She could read his expression already and went straight to the most relevant question. "How can I help?"
Harry hugged her and took a big breath of the scent of her hair. "Thank you, but I admit probably what I need is some time on the punching bag."
"Sure, no problem, go get changed. Hell, I'll even get you a cider."
"Gin, you don't have to wait for me."
"I know, but I can be supportive. Harry, you held me while I broke down and cried. I can hang out as you beat the hell out of the bag. Go, I'll be back in a bit." He nodded.
She pecked him on the cheek and headed off. To make things easier, and give Harry more bag time, she headed off to Gryffindor tower to drop her books off. On her way back out she notice Romilda looking far too hopeful, however Ginny decided to be the bigger person and leave it be.
Then Romilda chose to speak. "No boyfriend today?" she called.
"Going to go snog him now." Ginny quipped back, continuing to walk.
"Enjoy him while you can."
It was the arrogance, the certainty that Romilda spoke with that truly irritated Ginny. Crimson fired up, and she turned around smiling devilishly and took a seat. "Romilda, singular word of advice, stop."
"Stop what?" she asked, batting her eyes.
"Stop playing whatever game is going on in your mind. Harry's not available and doesn't want to be. You continuing on this will only lead to your own embarrassment… or worse."
Romilda, smiled and leaned forward, "I don't plan on being embarrassed anytime soon. I think Harry will look quite fine on my arm."
"That's going to be a bit difficult, as he usually keeps both arms around me… you know… while I'm in his lap. In fact, I kinda have dibs on his whole body." Ginny smiled.
That clearly triggered Romilda. "You really are a confident little bitch, aren't you?"
The verbiage did get the attention of several of the girls in the room, now watching the conversations develop.
Unphased Ginny continued. "Is there something I can do for you Romilda, because you seem to be determined to get my attention."
"Not really, It's Harry's attention I'm after. Just want to make sure the boy knows ALL his options."
"Well first, Romilda, you may be used to dating boys, let me assure you. Harry's a man, a real man… one you really couldn't handle." Ginny's usual flirtatious Crimson purr plus her statement triggered a flinch in. She honestly hadn't intended it. But she wasn't going to correct it. If it got Romilda to back off she'd give Harry any needed apology later.
"Wait… what you…"
"I think any question you could possibly ask is only Harry and I's business. Don't you? No… this…. " she pointed between the two of them, "... is your final warning. Leave Harry be. It's sweet that you care but I promise he's very very happy… and frankly out of your league."
With that Ginny simply got up and left. Romilda wasn't done with her yet. She snapped up from her chair. "NOBODY is out of my league!" she yell loud enough if anyone wasn't paying attention, they sure were now.
Crimson stopped, smiled wickedly, She was about to have fun. She turned around. "Romilda, what do you do on a date? What's normal for you? What is your big plan for my boyfriend? Tea in Hogsmeade?"
Romilda winced.
"Merlin, that's it? A 'cuppa with Harry'?" she laughed. Crimson felt Romilda had it coming, and noticed an audience, so she went for it. She slowly started stepping towards the brunette like a wolf approaching for the kill. "For our first date, he killed a basilisk for me. For our second, he invited me to see him inherit a noble house and title. Date number three we kill 40 Death Eaters. Do I need to go on? Do not stand there and tell me you know anything about Harry Potter until you have stood beside him and seen what that man is capable of. Anything else is an insult to him!" Crimson turned on her heel and expected to make a retreat but actually when she turned, a round of cheer and applause sounded. That made her feel quite satisfied and she smiled at the crowd and walked away with her head held high.
Ginny stopped and got a pair of ciders as promised and returned to find Harry at the punching bag as promised. She found a seat on a weight bench and waited and watched. Ginny was happy to be moral support. Merlin knew he'd been there for her as of late. But it was a bit unfair. She couldn't imagine any way she looked near as attractive crying as Harry did working out. She was well aware the workouts were a vent for him. God knows he needed them. And the exercise truly seemed to help. He certainly wasn't the shy boy from a year or two ago.
After a few minutes Harry finally took a break and turned around. Though winded he smiled that Ginny was there. "You could have let me know. I didn't want to keep you waiting."
"Babe, you needed a vent. I have six older brothers, I get it." She said, offering him his cider and the space next to her on the bench. "Are you at a point you could talk about it now? Because I would like to listen."
Harry nodded as he took the seat and a long drink off the cider. Then he proceeded to relay the conversation he had with Tonks. Ginny bit her tongue and in many places nodded her head in agreement. "So with a damn prophecy on one end and now this at the beginning, I am very much feeling like a goddamn puppet who's had his strings pulled his entire life," he finished.
"I completely agree with why you felt the need to beat the hell out of something," she assured him. "Harry, believe me, especially after my first year I am the world's biggest believer in free will and personal choice. So I do have some idea about not having control. Because of that, I completely agree that both your uncle and Dumbledore were complete arses."
"Thanks, Gin."
Ginny wanted to help him sort through the whirlwind of emotions she saw in his eyes. "Harry, Friday, with Charlie's parents, she asked your opinion about the wizard world and the muggle."
"I remember. I'd still choose this."
She took one of his hands and held it with both of hers. "Why? And tell me it's more than just me."
Harry smiled, and it was very warming to see him smile. "Well, Don't get me wrong you are a fantastic bonus to being here. I will also give huge respect to your family's taking me in, and just to be clear I include Hermione there too."
"My big sister, absolutely." Ginny smiled.
"Seriously though. On the most fundamental level, I think Tonks also said it really well. Magic is a part of who I, we, are. As much a part as our breath or blood. It's fundamental to who I am, so the logical extraction is this is where I belong. I don't have any issue with muggles. Still happy to visit. But my permanent home for a long, long while is going to be the wizard world… preferably with a certain redhead." He finished with a grin.
Ginny smiled to show she did catch that, but she still wanted to suss a few thoughts. "Thank you, Harry, but not what I was getting at. I just wanted to point out that at least you are where you want to be."
"Agreed." Harry exhaled as he nodded in agreement.
"But just to talk about free will. Starting the D.A. against Umbridge, that was your choice."
Harry smiled.
"Harry, I can't tell you how proud I am of you for walking out on the Dursleys. That was definitely your choice."
Harry nodded.
"The War Council, the Aligned Houses, those were your choice."
Harry started to smile. And the smile did make Ginny feel she had gotten him back to decent levels. But Ginny Weasley doesn't settle for just decent.
"And Harry, if I may?" She lifted his chin up to look at his emerald eyes. "I promise you, I do not work for Professor Dumbledore. I am a choice."
That got a full laugh out of Harry.
"So, you know, Harry, " she gave a wicked Crimson smile. "That kinda means every time you kiss me, you're rebelling."
"So you're telling me you're making me a rebel?"
"And you'll never ever be any good," she replied with a kiss.
The pair rebelled for quite some time after that.