Chapter 20
New Marauders
Once Ron caught his breath, his practical common sense came back to him. "Hey Harry, believe me, you were bloody awesome with that bolt, but you were also pretty bright. We may want to get while we can."
Harry nodded as Ginny gave him a hand up. "Right everyone clear the isle. Gin, kill the light. Grindylow bodies in the water, grab the fangs." He prestidigitated himself dry and helped cover the evidence.
No sooner had Susan kicked the last body into the drink did she notice a light in the distance, but moving closer. "Shit, we got company."
"Grab your brooms and portkey!" Harry ordered in a rasp.
Ginny grabbed Harry's hand and verbally whispered, "Wait, not us!"
"Why?" he asked confused as the other popped away.
"If they've seen our lights, they'll need an explanation. Two students messing around during a date cleans things up a lot nicer than if we let them snoop around."
Ginny really did think as fast as she flew, and Harry loved her for it. Instantly, he understood her plan and was never happier that he had made it a practice to always carry his wizard bag of tricks. Opened it up and pulled out his blanket that Ginny quickly helped lay out, then quickly she dove onto it. With equal parts of enthusiasm Ginny pulled him and Harry pounced over her.
Over the links, Ron's concerned voice called, "Everything okay?" to which the couple quickly took off and pocketed the ear clipped coins. They had perhaps a minute of actual genuine snogging before they and their blanket became the focus of a spotlight.
"Merlin… it's you two. I should have known." a familiar voice asked.
They both were genuinely enjoying their activity, so their looks of annoyance were true when Harry turned around and both saw Sgt. Tonks hovering over them on a broom with a lumos light shining on them.
Harry decided to follow Ginny's lead and commit to the bit. "Hi Sarge, are we past lights out already?"
Ginny, certainly never one to be embarrassed, certainly not for being with Harry smiled. "Hi, Sergeant."
Tonks then moved the lumos light to hover in the air and landed on the grass. "What the hell were you two doing out here?"
Ginny and Harry were having the same thought. Harry just went with "Er.. um… the obvious." He grinned with a gesture to Ginny.
"Friday night date." the redhead smiled.
"Ha, ha you two." Tonks mocked, but… she did smile. Tonk's smile told Harry they were going to be okay, just stick to it. "Two students and three faculty reported a hell of a light show out here. I'm no stranger to snogging but I've never made that happen."
"Oh that!" Ginny laughed as she laid back down and giggled.
"Sorry Sergeant," Harry apologized with a nod of his head. "You've met the Queen of Competition though, right?" Ginny waved with the cheesiest smile she could muster. "Well, she got it in her head she wanted to know which of us could do the biggest spell. She's gotten all cocky since she dropped a Confrigo fireball."
"Not cocky… proud." the fiery redhead corrected with a grin. "Besides, you should be happy. You got yours. You finally threw a full lightning bolt."
"Really? Lighten - wait, stop, hang on." Tonks interrupted. "You expect me to believe you two swam all the way out here for a spell contest?"
"No!" Ginny corrected. "We flew." Ginny thumbed back to the tree when their broom leaned against. "We're quidditch players after all."
"Team captain," Harry smiled pointing to his badge.
Tonks rolled her eyes at the ridiculousness of the night and rested her hands on her hips.
Harry kept going, grinning the entire way. "Sergeant, if we accidentally fudged a school rule here, I'll take the blame and I'm sorry. But seriously, we're just trying to have a nice date here at Hogwarts. We haven't even left the school grounds. Evening broom flight, a bit of stargazing, Ginny's little spell competition was spontaneous, but out here in the middle of the lake we thought it was a rather safe location. Then well, I was so excited I finally pulled off lightning bolt that well … you saw."
Ginny bit her lip to keep from giggling through Harry's entire explanation.
"Ya Potter, I saw…" Tonks shook her head. She had arrested Death Eaters, stood up to monsters, even now been promoted. But somehow, Tonks felt being the training officer for these teens was going to be the death of her. "No more light shows, and to answer your original question you have a little over an hour before lights out. No hall pass this time, so don't be late."
"Yes ma'am." they replied with smiles.
She started to hover off, then stopped and looked back. "And Potter I want to see that lightning bolt Monday."
"Anything for you, Sarge." Harry grinned, as Ginny bit her lower lip.
Tonks shook her head and flew off back to the castle. Harry grabbed his link which had been pulsing warm the entire time. "We're here. We're good. Tonks checked it out and Gin and I covered it. Everyone, call it a night. Lightening out." He ripped the link off his ear again. But this time it cooled and stayed that way.
Harry turned to look at the beautiful girl in his arms, smiling and returning his gaze. He knew one thing for sure. They certainly weren't going to waste that hour. "You are as brilliant as you are beautiful." He whispered to her ear as he started kissing her neck.
"Glad you noticed." she purred back. "Now shut up and don't stop."
The next morning the five from Gryffindor all met up again at breakfast in the Great Hall. Neville asked the seemingly innocent question, "What happened?"
To which Ginny happily replayed the night's events. Harry getting a few bites in as he grinned hard, Hermione outright laughing and Ron just shaking his head that this was his life now.
"And she just flew off?"
"Well ya," Ginny explained with a smile. "From her point of view she just busted Harry and I snogging. Not even worth filing a report."
Neville looked over to Harry. "Your girlfriend is a bloody mastermind."
"Agreed, I think I'll keep her," he grinned and affectionately rubbed Ginny's back. "I've got a question for you all though. What … the hell … happened? Or more specifically why did the damn lake decide to try to turn us into bait."
"OH!" Hermione said in surprise. "I thought you all caught that last night."
"We were a little distracted babe," Ron reminded.
"Well, if you recall the prior … items, " Hermione said in hushed tones at the table. "They had very strong psychic abilities."
"Understatement." Ginny groused.
Harry reflexively reached for her hand in support, that Ginny accepted and laced their fingers together. Ginny had come a long way in a few weeks but Harry would be damned before he didn't volunteer to be supportive.
Hermione continued, "Last night's… cup also had psychic abilities. You noticed that nothing occurred until Susan opened the containment jar?" She saw nods around her. "Well instead of attacking us directly it reached out and summoned or controlled the abundance of the creatures within the lake. When Susan finally stabbed the cup, that ended the enchantment."
"Remind me to send her a 'thank you' card." Harry asked.
"So Harry, did you, like actually, kill the Giant Squid?" Ron asked sheepishly.
Harry shook his head. "I was willing to, but no. Worked my way up but finally lightning bolt got her to let go and swim off. She's damn near a feature of the school so I'm kind of glad. I hate to explain it to Luna."
That got laughs among the crowd.
"What's the plan from here, Harry?" Neville asked after a drink.
"Well, unless I miss my guess. Rosmeretta tonight, then hit the books for six and seven."
Hermione shook her head. "You're still planning on heading out tonight after only getting away with last night due to Ginny's quick thinking?"
"'Mione, relax," Ginny calmed. "I'm going with him."
"You're what!?" Ron asked.
"Okay.. I think I just remembered I need to meet Hannah." Neville said as he quickly excused himself.
"I'm taking Gin with me." Harry confirmed with a shrug. "Especially after Neville's idea we should get the rest of the team familiar with the … route."
"Hogsmeade is in two weeks. What is the rush?"
"Guarantee me Riddle won't try something between now and then." Harry said coldly.
"So after pulling one over on Tonks last night, you're sneaking out tonight?"
Harry and Gin exchanged looks then simply replied in unison. "Ya,"
"I don't believe you two."
"Ron, how many times have the three of us… been out after hours?" Harry asked with a grin.
"That's different, most of those were emergencies."
"So you'd prefer we sneak off during an emergency." Harry replied.
"What? No… just…"
Ginny propped her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her fist, and smiled watching Ron squirm. "Ron, what's got you here? You seemed more relaxed about the last three missions than tonight's little trip. And those were the dangerous ones."
"Because technically with the others we weren't breaking any rules."
"Oh please," Ginny argued. "You three have admitted to breaking the rules… commonly."
"Well ya… but…but…" he could feel the other's eyes bearing down on him. His ears started to get hot and blend in with his hair.
"But what, dear brother?" Ginny smiled.
"Actually Ron, I'm curious too. But what?" Hermione asked.
"I was hoping to keep you out of trouble!" he whispered yelled. "Look, Harry and I have a nice stack of detention slips over the years. You barely have any. I truly got no problem with you on the team but would love for you NOT to have to dig yourself out of the reputation hole that I have to!"
He raised his head up to Ginny beaming. "Ronaly Weasley, I think that is one of the kindest things you've said. Thank you."
"Well done, Ron." Hermione agreed with a peck to his cheek.
"Ron, I appreciate the concern but, there is nothing to worry about. Harry's taking me out tonight. Compared to prior activities this will be an actual date."
Harry shot a look at him. "Trust me man."
"Okay, okay… I will relax.. What's our plan with the bigger stuff?" Ron asked both to change the subject.
"That puts the count to three off the board, a question mark on the forth. We all agreed that the snake makes five and as she is Riddle's pet she is likely last."
"I also claim dibs and I'm working on a plan for her."
"What is this master plan, Ron?" Ginny asked, leaning closer with curiosity.
"Hey, she took a bite out of Dad. I've decided to take that personally."
"Okay, but how?" she asked.
"Let me see if I can find what I need during Hogsmead. Then things will be clear. Fair enough?"
Ginny's eyes shifted from her brother to across the table. "Do you know anything?"
"Actually no," Hermione smiled. "But so far he's actually been less mischievous than normal. So I'm willing to let him have this."
"Merlin, knows each of us have played something close to the chest before." Harry reminded. "I will remind you I'm happy to help mate."
"Noted, not worried." Ron smiled.
Harry went back to the count. "So that's five, that means back to book work for Ravenclaw's Tiara and Crying lightning. Miracle, you take the tiara, I'll take lightning?"
"You help with library research? That's a shock."
The group all groaned. Harry held his hand out to Ron. "You have taught her well."
"Hey, serious question 'Mione, any idea how I didn't take a hit from my lightning bolt while I was in the water? Last I knew electricity and water don't mix."
"I would need to review to be certain, I would wager elemental resistance. " She paused, looking at the eyes on her, then continued. "As we're all developing our elemental magic, I believe we are developing a natural magical resistance to those types of energies. Harry, I don't know if electricity will hurt you anymore. Ginny, now that you can cast Confrigo, I wonder if you can be burned anymore. Ron, it will be interesting to see if you even get cold this winter."
The three of them looked at each other all with the mutual expression of, 'This was unexpected."
Harry split the difference in dress for the cooling weather by leaving the suit blazer and wearing his leather coat. He kept a dark dress shirt and green tie over dark bluejeans. He was not going to wear slacks through the Hogsmeade tunnel. Ginny never failed to impress in her jeans and a navy jumper under her jacket. Her smile was particularly bright.
"Ready, Gin?" Harry asked as he rose to meet her.
"Absolutely," she greeted with a peck.
As they walked for the door arm as they walked past Dean and Lee in the middle of a card game that clearly Lee was losing. Throwing his most recent hand down in frustration he looked up to Harry and Ginny. "And where do you think you two are off to?"
Ginny couldn't help herself, "Midnight stroll."
Harry smiled as he just shook his head. Out the tower through, through the halls, even out of the castle, none of that was a problem. It was Saturday and it was the most normal thing for students to want to be out of the castle when they could be. And they certainly were not the first couple to duck behind many of the large boulders for a moment of privacy.
Harry bent over and grabbed a handful of stones. Harry's grin was in full force as he gently rubbed Ginny's cheek. "So did Ron scare you off? Still want to do this?"
"I don't think it is possible for Ron to scare me. By the end he came off more sweet. Regardless, sneak off to town… with my boyfriend. Mmmm," she purred. "Yes, please."
Harry took out his cloak and gently pulled Ginny close to cover them both with it. "Kiss for luck?" Harry said with a grin.
Ginny wrapped her arms around him and smiled warmly. "Next, you're going to say the magic only works if we kiss."
"Er- um- ya that's exactly right, Gin." Harry smiled and they pressed their lips together. He was still smiling when they broke apart. "I think that will get us to the Whomping Willow. We'll probably need to do that again for the return trip."
"So long as it is for the good of the war, Harry." Ginny giggled at the silliness of this. But it was absolutely heartwarming to be able to be silly. No one was hexing at them. No one was watching them, hell no one could see them. The absolute worst they were looking at was detention… if they got caught. And as enjoyable as this all was, they were helping the war.
"This part may be paranoid, but I like to take this last stretch from the path to the Whomping Willow under the cloak whenever we can. Fewer people seeing, asking questions and such." Harry explained as they walked.
"It makes sense, especially if you have this." She replied, pinching the fabric with her left hand. Her other arm around Harry. He mirrored her, except with his arm around her shoulders. It was the easiest way to walk under the cloak.
When they finally got near the tree's senses they could see the limbs tense with energy. Realizing there was no point to the cloak any longer they packed it away. Harry grabbed one of the stones out. Harry took a breath and took a knee to steady his aim. "See that knot at the base of the tree," he pointed out. Ginny nodded. "It acts like a temporary stun. When you see the tree freeze, we run."
"Gothca, try to keep up." Ginny smiled.
Harry threw a stone at the knot in the tree… hitting the knot square on. The willow froze in mid swing.
Ginny didn't need any further motivation. The moment the Willow froze and Ginny was off. Harry leapt up and dash also, but as the summer had proven Ginny was faster.
"First!" she proudly laughed as he got to the tree a yard ahead of him.
"True," Harry replied as went directly for the tunnel entrance. "But I had the better view." He winked with a grin as he hopped down into the tunnel entrance.
"You've become a bit of a cheeky flirt this year, you know?" Ginny replied with a smile as she hopped down after him, straight into Harry's waiting arms.
"Had a good teacher." He held her off the ground for a moment, simply because he could and she didn't mind. With the far less danger and actual privacy they could be … however they wanted.
"Damn right." she purred and rewarded him with a kiss.
With a tinge of regret Harry did set his lady down. "Did you bring your flight goggles?" He reminded me. Ginny pulled them from her pocket and the darkvision charm activated as she put them on. The tunnel was roughly cut but from cobwebs and the smell of the air it was clear the tunnel had some age. "What's the story with this one?" Ginny asked.
"Good point, might as well get you up to speed. I know you know bits and pieces so let me take it from the top and forgive me if I cover familiar things?" He said hold out his hand.
Ginny happily accepted it. "Harry, I'm just happy you're finally talking. You know, trusting me with this."
"Thanks for not freaking out about all of this and being able to take care of yourself. You're earned it, Gin. Overdue most likely, and that's my fault, but I'm trying to make up for it. "
"Lightning, you're doing fine. Please, continue the lesson."
"Well, have you heard of the Marauders?"
"Yes, but I couldn't quote you chapter or verse on them."
"Okay, well they were a team back in the 70's. My dad, Sirius, Professor Lupin, and Peter Petigrew, at least to start. I am fuzzy if Mum was in the team or not later. In my opinion she was but.. " he shrugged.
"I knew Lupin was close to you somehow, but fuzzy on how."
"Yep, and he's a werewolf."
"I caught that." she nodded
"He was back then, when they were in school."
"Really? That young? How did he… manage?"
"Combination of things. This tunnel leads to the Shrieking Shack in town. When the full moon would come, Remus would use this tunnel to get there for his change. He does have a potion to keep his free will during his wolf form so between the two, he could manage without incidents or regrets.
Well, Dad took the family knack for motion making and sussed out the animagus potion. So when Remus changed, the other three of them would also. Keep in company, roam the countryside together."
"So that's why they developed it! I knew Sirius had his dog form, and your Dad had the stag but never knew there was that much of a reason."
"Well, you also knew about Peter too." Harry reminded.
"Scabbers! That's right, Ron's stupid rat! Merlin, how could I have forgotten?"
Harry paused for a moment and smiled warmly and caressed her cheek. "It's a lot of pieces. Some we've been picking up for years. Don't worry about it." Turning back to the tunnel. "Have you ever read through the spell?"
"I think once, McGonagall taught about it, but didn't like, have us all learn it or anything."
"Same for us," Harry nodded. "Dad wrote it down in his spell book. Hard spell to pull off. You have to like chipmunk a leaf in your mouth for a month. Then wait for a storm to come to cast it. And those three, and Mum, were stubborn; they pulled it off when they were our ages."
"That explains a lot about this year." Ginny smiled.
"What do you mean?" Harry replied.
"You don't see it do you? You're doing the same thing; us, Ron, Hermione, Susan, Neville, Hannah. You're setting up the New Marauders."
Harry laughed as the light bulb finally went off in his head. "I never realized, but ya, I suppose… and it's not a bad name. Thank you, Gin."
"Happy to help, love."
"Thanks. Besides the fact my parents were involved, I just think it's… respectable what lengths they went to; independent high level spell study, flexing school rules, and yes a dash of irreverence, all to support a friend so he wouldn't be alone." Harry shrugged.
Ginny held him back to stop. "Harry," she said in a gentle, caring, but still serious tone. He turned around to give her his full attention. She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. She looked at him with the warmest hot chocolate eyes he'd ever seen. "You're not alone anymore. Haven't been for a while. And I promise, you never will be again."
Harry's eyes looked just off the side and his eyebrows raised in realization. "Whoa." he barely even whispered.
"You've never even connected those two thoughts before, have you? Remus and you?" She asked, as she gently scratched the back of his neck with her fingernails.
"Not till right now." His eyes widened in realization. "It's like… I knew both facts. I'll be honest enough to admit to my issues, especially to you. And I just explained Remus, but I never… emotionally… connected the two."
"It's okay… It is okay, babe." she pulled closer to embrace him. "I won't insult you with something dumb like 'I know how you feel.' But I will say that when you tell me you've come from like sixteen years of survival mode, and you've only had three months of normalcy - "
"Hey, three great months." he corrected, wrapping her up.
"And thank you, still just three months, to me at least it makes sense you're still or just now… feeling and figuring out these things . I'm just happy you are and…" she trailed off.
Harry gave her a moment then encouraged. "And what?"
"I'm - I'm just happy you've let me in." she confessed.
"Me too, Ginevra. Very much me too." Harry confirmed squeezing tightly. They simply held each other in the quiet for a moment, each just grateful for the other. Then realizing they technically still had a job for the evening. They parted enough for Harry to gently raise her chin up and kiss her sweetly. "Thank you, and I love you, Gin."
"I love you too, my pleasure."
Harry returned to leading the way to the Shrieking Shack. He lifted up the floorboards that covered the tunnel entrance. He held the camouflage trapdoor open for Ginny to step out. "It ain't pretty, but it's functional." Harry introduced.
"Oh, so it's like Ron." she joked as they closed the trapdoor.
"That's cold, Gin." Harry chuckled.
"Ya, but that's also siblings." she grinned.
The shack was in its ever dilapidated state. Considering that truly its main purpose was to serve as a hidden entrance to the tunnel that was strangely comforting. Every stick of furniture was broken to bits and dust still filled the air. Ginny's curiosity brought her to the boarded up windows to look out through the cracks.
"Back when Remus was using this place monthly, his wolf episodes created enough noise that the shack earned the reputation 'the most haunted house in Britain'. Hermione thinks that's enough to keep the locals away all these years."
Ginny turned and leaned against the wall with a smile. "Lightening, I can tell by your tone of voice. You disagree with her."
"It can happen, you saw it with the whole house elves thing."
"Agreed, it's just rare to see."
Harry shrugged, "Things change." Harry said as he came next to Ginny to look out the window cracks also.
"Twenty years ago, a once a month haunt during full moons, sure. That would keep away locals then. But the Marauders graduated and left back in '78. I find it hard to believe that with this shack quiet for almost twenty years it's still the legend that keeps the locals away."
"Sound logic, but then what's your thoughts, Master Potter?"
Harry grinned as he bounced between looking at Ginny and looking outside. "Well we know there are spells for guards and wards, and fidelius charms. I don't think we have something that strong. If you directly ask them about it, or sometimes they will still tell ghost stories about here. So they do know about this place… but they don't want to think about it. So I think it's lower level than a full fidelius, something along the lines of a Notice-Me-Not,or perception filter. Unless you know about it, like us, magic makes you want to ignore and not think about it. That's my theory at least."
"Clever too, eh?" Ginny smiled.
"It's what people keep saying lately." he replied with a touch of nerves.
"Harry, what's going through your mind?" Ginny asked.
"Anxiety," he replied flatly.
Ginny giggled. "Merlin, I love this. Slayer of monsters, Death Eaters, no problem. Riddle, you'll lead the charge. Chatting up Madam Rosmerta is what gets you?"
"Yes!" he replied with his own laugh. "That witch has heard every bad pickup line from every male student, and likely a few ladies, over the last two decades. Sirius even failed, and he was an actual ladies man."
Ginny smiled. "Lightning, I love seeing you squirm. It's cute. But I care about helping you more. Give me your hands and close your eyes." she said standing in front of him.
Harry did so.
"Good, now try to clear your mind and take some deep breaths."
Harry followed his orders.
"Alright, let's get in the right headspace. You are not some randy student trying to pick up a Rosmerta. You are Master Harry James Potter of the Ancient and Noble House Potter." He could feel Ginny's thumb rubbing around his signet ring to physically remind him of that. It was almost odd that what three months ago seemed foreign, now seemed to be such a part of him. "You are the head of the Aligned Houses, of Potter, Longbottom, Bones, and Abbott."
"What, are the Weasley backing out on me?" he smiled, but kept his eyes closed.
Ginny released a chuckle. "Never love, but you have us for battle, not for banking."
"You have stood up to Albus Dumbledore, and even got him to respect you as a man. The Order is even watching your safehouses. You absolutely can convince a tavern to make a business deal." Ginny could see the nerves fade and that cocky grin return to Harry's face. "There we are… Welcome back Master Potter."
"Thank you again, Gin." he said, opening his eyes with much more confidence.
"Relationship perks, happy to help. How do you want to do this?"
"Recon first, go in and grab a bite and drink. You know, actually partake of her business."
"Oh, so I'm getting an actual date out of this too?"
"It's for the good of the war." he grinned. As he pulled her close.
As they got to the front door, Harry remembered the last part. "This place was very charmed to help keep the place secure for Remus. And as dangerous and powerful as a wolf can be, there are some things they can't do."
"Okay, I'm listening." Ginny cocked her head with curiosity.
"Good, because I solemnly swear I am up to no good." he said with his grin. And as he did the multiple locks on the door all released and it cracked open an inch.
Ginny smiled with her eyebrows raised. "Anyone?"
"Anyone, so keep that close to your chest," he said holding the door open for her
"Understood, " she nodded. "Locking up?"
"Mischief managed." The door silently closed itself as they heard the locks set again.
"Dating you will never be boring, will it, Harry?"
"Kinda not in the cards, Gin. Sorry."
She smiled warmly and wrapped her arm around the one he offered. "Don't be. I wouldn't have it any other way."
The walk to town square was brief. It was enough to get a good lung full of the ending days of autumn. A hint of chill was coming. They both knew the odds were about 50/50 there would be snow by Hogsmeade in two weeks.
They walked over to the Three Broomsticks in smiles for the evening, only to almost trip over another couple in the doorway.
"Harry? Ginny?" a bubbly voice asked.
Before them on their way out was Seamus with his arm over Lavender's shoulders.
"Oi, mate… what are you two doing here?" Seamus asked with a poker face trying to mask panic.
Ginny's cheshire cat smile curled to her lips. "I imagine the very same thing you two are doing."
"Right… so interesting thing 'bout you two." Seamus tried to explain. "You've simultaneously the two people I would figure we are most likely and least likely to run into here."
"Seamus mate, make you a deal." Harry offered.
"I'm always interested in a deal, sure."
"You didn't see anything, we didn't see anything. No one gets detention for leaving school grounds. No harm, no foul, and both ladies still have a nice night." Harry put his hand out.
Seamus smiled, "Deal Harry, thanks mate."
"Ya, thank you Harry." Lavender agreed with a relieved smile.
Harry let them get a few steps down the walk both lightly fallinging in and bouncing off each other, almost giddy. They were too cute. Harry smiled and stopped him. "Hey, Seamus."
"Ya?" the pair turned around.
"Next round's on me." Harry replied, tossing him a galleon.
Seamus caught it mid air. "How could it?" he replied, smiling wide. "We never saw you. Cheers though."
Harry and Ginny smiled as they continued into the pub. Both of them surveying the place with the the place with the attention to detail that Sgt. Tonks had been drilling into them. Then found a table in the corner and compared notes. "
"No professors or faculty as far as I could see." Harry volunteered.
"Agreed, it looks like it's all locals tonight." Ginny confirmed. "If we are careful to keep a low profile, I think we should be fine." she grinned wickedly.
Harry looked and could see the utter delight shining brightly in Ginny's eyes. "You have absolutely no fear tonight, do you?"
Ginny reached over and took his hand and shook her head. "Harry, last week, we were being hexed by Riddle's lackeys for class. Last night you fought the Giant Squid. Detentions don't scare me. And there is a certain thrill to my first time sneaking out with my boyfriend."
"Same for me, Gin." Harry replied with a smile, gently rubbing her hand.
"And welcome to the Three Broomsticks. What can I get for you two?"a curvy woman with long curly blonde hair and green eyes asked.
"Hello, still have the Shepherd's pie?" Harry asked.
"Always, plus one take it?"
"Please, add a butter beer, and whatever the lady wants."
"Same, thank you," Ginny replied.
It was when Ginny looked up that a twinkle of recognition glimmered Rosmerta's eye. "Nimbus Brooms, Crimson Witch."
Ginny nodded. "Ya, that's me."
"Forgive me, any face that rents my entire availability of rooms out for a weekend I remember. Especially such a lovely one. Even picked up a few of your posters. Welcome back."
"Thank you very much."
Then she turned to Harry. "And don't even pretend like I don't know you."
"Still please be here again, Madam."
"You know, you're still the last couple who took advantage of my piano."
Harry was surprised. "Well… that's just a shame."
"Romantics seem to be a dying breed. Hold on to this one honey." Rosmerta smiled at Ginny as she departed back behind the kitchen door.
"Well, that certainly looks to put you in favor." Ginny smiled.
"Hey, sometimes fortune favors the bold."
Soon Rosmerta returns with their order. "Would you like me to spell up the piano?"
Harry smiled, "We were looking for a bit more private night tonight, so likely not dancing. But if you don't mind, we'd like the music."
"Sweetie, if I minded, that thing wouldn't be here." Rosmerta gave a wave of her wand as she left, adding some romantic music to the air. To error on the side of caution, Harry threw up a Notice-Me-Not charm.
"Honestly Harry, it feels like you're charming me more than Rosmerta." Ginny said before staring in on her dish.
"Well first, shouldn't you be first in line for that?" he grinned for a moment. "But I'm starting to wonder if that's not the better approach. I may very well be wrong but I think deep down, our Madam may be a romantic."
"Well I don't think you're wrong, but tell me more of your thinking, babe."
He took a drink and ordered his thoughts. "Like I mentioned, for twenty years she has been here so she has seen twenty years of students pass through. Previously, I was focusing on people hitting on her, but think about it. How many first dates, general dates, declarations, breakups, proposals, has she seen?"
"Twenty years, it would have to be … hundreds." Ginny thought through it.
"Exactly, so at a certain point, she can read the couple instantly. Who is actually going to make it a year or more? Who is doomed from the start? Who's just looking for a shag?"
"Okay I follow you… OH! And doing that you think she just naturally roots for the happily ever afters!"
"Exactly." Harry agreed.
Ginny took a drink then smiled mischievously as sat forward. "So Harry, where do you think we fall?"
Harry smirked and looked straight at her."Gin, I think we both already deserve a happily ever after. Granted that's not going to happen till Riddle's dead but, I admit the thought of 'us after' is a huge drive for me, if I'm not being too forward."
Ginny smiled, took his hand, interlaced their fingers. "Not at all. Comforting to hear actually. Like I said, I don't care about anyone else's opinions until they've actually put in a few missions like we have. If we're fighting this war for the wizard world, we get to plan whatever the hell we want for ourselves."
"I love you, Gin."
"I love you too, Harry. Sorry, I guess I keep expecting Mum or someone to try and pass judgment on me like when I spend a night with you and when we're not even…"
"Gin, it's okay I get it."
She smiled in relief, then returned to mischief "So, where do you think Seamus and Lavender land?"
"Straight honesty?" Harry asked warily.
"Oh absolutely." Ginny purred.
"I've had Seamus in as my dorm mate for too many years. I will say I hope I'm wrong, but I'm willing to say he's likely hoping for a shag."
"No argument." she laughed. "The galleon?"
Harry shrugged. "They both go back to the DA. They're both decent people and we all agreed not to rat each other out. It's only a galleon but if it garners a bit of good will, that's far more valuable to me.
"Really?" Ginny said with a smile.
"He's my dorm mate, very good odds I'll need him to cover my arse in the future."
"Oh, but would you be willing to return the favor? Cover him as he disappears?"
Harry nodded. "Gin, you and I know what real trouble is like. Couple of mates want to go be alone, as long as no one gets hurt, not my concern."
Harry took another drink. "So… Bill and Fleur?"
Ginny thought for a moment. "No question about them as lifers. I'm trying to assess how I feel about it. Beginning of summer I was dreading it. Now… she's okay. I don't know who's changed, probably both, but I kinda like her now."
"Ron and Hermione?" Ginny asked.
"They're both my best mates. I'm not blind. I do see their differences, but merlin, I hope they do well. They've both covered my arse enough times that they deserve a happy ending."
They continued the evening going back and forth with most of the couples in school they knew of with laughs on both sides. Again it was a precious few moments they could just be normal. Not famous, not heroes, not aurors, or even cadets. They could be a couple young teens in love doing the most normal thing, sneaking out at night to spend time together. They both knew it and they both appreciated it immensely.
Unfortunately, Harry's history had conditioned him to almost always be on the lookout, and Ginny caught him when he flinched. "What's wrong?" she asked.
Mostly sorry to ruin the mood he started with shaking his head. "Truly nothing," he gestured over Ginny's shoulder to a gentlemen reading a copy of the Daily Prophet. From the front page apparently a dark mark was found in an attack in Wimbourne. "Just brought back into reality… but it gives me an idea."
Shortly after Madam Rosmerta returned to take their plates Harry covered the bill with a very respectable tip. "Anything else?"
"Yes, I was wondering if you may have a copy of the Daily Prophet?" Harry asked.
"Well … yes… but if you don't mind me saying. Best to keep that till tomorrow. Nothing but bad news about them damn Death Eaters. No need to ruin the mood for a fine evening."
Harry grinned and Ginny smiled.
"Not a believer in blood purity then?"
"Lad, I run a tavern. Hard for me to support purity of any kind," she said with a wink and smile.
"Madam, you mentioned you appreciated Nimbus's business this summer."
"Absolutely. You all were decent people. No staff complaints. Rooms were treated well and bills paid timely. Can't ask for much more."
"I'll be sure to pass your gratitude onto Mr. Whitehorn." Ginny replied with a smile.
"Thank you, miss."
"Would you be interested in another business opportunity?" Harry asked.
Rosmerta looked at the pair of them carefully. "Why don't you two come back to my office?"
"Happily," Harry replied. The youths followed the elder witch back behind a bar to a small but cozy office with dark stained oak walls, lit by magical candle light. There was a narrow table with a green ink blotter on it with one main chair behind it and two smaller in front, all in matching well worn leather.
She had a seat and gestured for them to sit. "Nothing illegal." was the first she said. "I run a legitimate business. I intend to keep it this way."
"Good," Harry replied, "I wouldn't dream of it changing that."
"Don't even think of asking for hard liquor into school. There's plenty of faculty upset I let you lot have butterbeer."
"Not looking for that either." Ginny reassured with a smile.
"Alright, what are you thinking?" the tavern owner asked.
"Well to begin with, madam," Harry led. "I don't want to know your answers but, how many Half blood, or Muggle-born friends do you have here in Hogsmeade? How many traitors to purity do you think there are here? How many of your friends and patrons do you honestly not know?"
"What Riddle did in the last war, he's doing again, terrorizing the wizard world in the pursuit of power and blood purity." Ginny emphasized. "Harry's and I's position in the war is well known and we are not asking you to be anywhere near public."
"In fact," Harry confirmed, "The more quiet and secret you could be, the more help you could be."
"How, specifically?" the elder witch asked as she listed carefully. This was not her first negotiation.
"We are in the process of establishing a safe house in the area. For those that Riddle would be targeting, both in Hogwarts and in town proper. As the largest openly wizard population, we need to prepare for when he comes."
"I think you over estimated my accommodations." Rosmerta smiled.
Harry and Ginny returned the smile. Harry continued, "No, we're not asking you to house them but we would ask you to help supply them." Rosmerta cocked her head to the side.
"No cost to you. In fact I'd be willing to pay you." Harry clarified.
Ginny picked up, "There are limits to what can be owl ordered."
Harry detailed. "The quantity of supplies we need to bring in is … inconvenient. Again, nothing illegal. But we're talking, one at a time, pallets of food, healing supplies, cots, bedding, blankets, and such. All we're asking is let us ship it in here, you stow in a backroom. We'll work on a convenient way for you to signal us. We pick it up and take it away."
"As the time comes," Ginny continued. "When you have people you would like to see disappear to safety before Riddle gets to them, you will have it."
Rosmerta looked at them carefully. She was no stranger to studying people. "Why you? Why are students doing this?"
Harry grinned. "Well, now would be a fantastic time for you to share with me the network of adults doing this if there is one. In the meantime, I'm not going to sit on my arse, when something could be done to protect the innocent." Harry raised his hand and flashed his house ring. "I may be a few months shy of age, I absolutely am a house lord now. I will be damned if I let galleons gather dust in a vault, when they could be used to save lives."
"Why us?" Ginny repeated, "Maybe it is youthful naivety, but because we're willing."
"To hell with your face or eyes, lad. You've got James's spirit in you, that's for sure." Rosmerta sat and thought for a moment. They only read Harry could get from her lovely face was she wasn't offended or upset by the offer. "You're asking me to put myself and my entire livelihood on the line."
"Acknowledged, not a small ask." Harry agreed.
"I need time to think. If I don't miss my guess, you two… apparently got lost and 'accidently' found yourself in here tonight?"
"I told him to ask for directions." Ginny quipped. "But you know how men are."
Harry shrugged with his grin to sell the joke more.
"Come back on your free weekend, I'll have a decision then."
Harry and Ginny smiled as the rose and Rosmerta led them out. Then walked around to the patrons side of the bar and almost reflexively she asked the couple, "Anything else before you go?"
They exchanged grins. "Couple of butter beers for the walk?"
Rosmerta smiled, "I can do that for you." She traded a pair for the galleon Harry layed down.
They each grabbed their drink and started to head for the door when a voice called out to them in a curious tone. "Harry m'boy?"
They turned around to see Slughorn standing there with a stein in his hand and surprise on his face. "And Miss Weasley?"
A chill went down Harry's spine. Even if they were just looking at school discipline, he didn't want to accept it if he didn't have to. Instantly, lessons from the Twins came to his mind. 'Remember Harrykins, when a prank goes awry, never bail. Commit to the bit and you'll often come out okay."
Harry went into full cham mode. "Professor, good to see you, sir."
Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Ginny throw back her hair and flash her prettiest smile, "Hello, sir. Lovely evening isn't it?"
"I didn't expect to see any students tonight. I didn't think this was an open weekend." said, looking almost confused at the situation.
Harry grinned hard. "Well sir, it's not technically an open weekend. But we're not technically average students, are we?
"Well… I suppose you're not." Slughorn begrudgingly admitted.
"And you're not technically an average professor, are you sir?" Ginny purred with a perfectly placed hand on the Slughor's forearm holding his mug.
"Oh-ho-ho," the Professor chuckled. "You know how to cheer an old man, Miss Weasley."
"In fact sir, why don't you let fortune favor the brilliant tonight." Harry replied as he shook Slughorn's hand, palming him three galleons.
Slughorn took the coins and grinned. "Well, I suppose no harm, no foul. You two do study hard, seems only fair to let you play hard as well. Just don't let me hear of any trouble from you two." he said, wagging a finger with the hand holding the money.
Ginny played right along. "Trouble? Harry, you wouldn't get an innocent girl into trouble would you?" she said, turning to her boyfriend with the biggest puppy dog eyes she could muster.
"Professor, if you'll excuse us. I feel I need to escort this young lady home, make sure nothing untoward happens to her."
Slughorn smiled. "I think that's a very good idea Harry. Miss Weasley." he nodded, then returned back to the bar.
Quickly the pair left the tavern and walked as fast as they dared without looking out of place across the square until they made it to the relative dark off the main road and started returning to the Shrieking Shack.
"I can't believe we pulled that off." Ginny confessed.
"Any other Professor, we wouldn't have." Harry admitted. "But Slughorn has vices." Harry smiled.
"Oh, I know." she agreed.
As they approached the shack, Ginny smiled and leaned against the wall waiting for him. "Harry," she asked, "What if I want something untoward to happen to me?"
Harry slipped his arms around her waist and smiled. "Well fortunately for you, Gin, I solemnly swear, I am up to no good."