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Erasing The Future | ||||||
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Category: Alternate Universe, Post-HBP Characters:All, Harry/Ginny Genres: Action/Adventure, Angst, Fluff, General, Humor, Romance, Tragedy Warnings: Extreme Language, Mild Sexual Situations, Violence Rating: PG-13 Reviews: 545 Summary: Harry goes back in time to redo his Hogwarts years after losing the war, his family, and his wife, Ginny Potter, to Voldemort. Changes need to be made, but can all changes be good? Years 1-4 Hitcount: Story Total: 397042; Chapter Total: 9414 Awards: View Trophy Room Author's Notes: Heres the next chapter for you, imn not sure if im going to update fanfic yet as there updates are down. so all readers on siye get it first before fanfic readers :P how cool is that |
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Disclaimer: I Do Not own Harry Potter Harry woke up on the morning of the first of September bleary-eyed and sleepy. He hadn’t had much sleep recently but he knew why. Every time he had gone over to the Burrow he had seen Ginny writing in the diary. Of course she was hiding it from her brothers and parents well, but then again they weren’t really looking for it. Thoughts of what she could be writing in it crossed his mind and he found himself wondering why she couldn’t be talking to him about it rather than Tom. But Harry knew that this was what needed to happen for Ginny to fall in love with him. If she didn’t her whole life could be ruined. If this failed, she may never fall for him then what would he do? She would be trapped in a marriage to someone she was only friends with. He didn’t think that he could stand to see her unhappy for the rest of their lives. Harry slowly got up out of bed and headed downstairs to find Sirius making breakfast. It was very early in the morning; in fact, it was still dark. Harry looked up at the clock to see it was five to five. Yawning Harry wondered what Sirius was doing up this early. He knew that Sirius wasn’t planning to see him off at the train. Sirius had said as much the night before, which was why Harry was up and getting ready to go to the Weasleys. But being too tired to ask, neither Harry nor Sirius spoke during breakfast. The sleep they were missing out on was causing them to be awfully sluggish and way too tired to ask questions let alone generally talk. An hour later Harry found himself saying good by to his godfather and arriving at the Burrow through the floo network. “Morning.” Mrs. Weasley said as she helped Harry with his trunk. Like last year, Estelle was going to flam to Hogwarts that evening. This time however, Simon was going to accompany Harry and was wrapped around his left forearm. Harry looked up from dusting himself off to see Ginny in her PJ’s sitting at the kitchen table fast asleep, a bowl of cereal lay forgotten in front of her. “Hey sleepy.” Harry said as he sat down next to her. Her head popped up wildly looking around; her confusion was evident as her eyes landed on Harry. “You’re here already.” Ginny said looking at Harry in shock. “Ginny are you nearly finished? You need to get dressed if you are otherwise we’re going to be late.” Mrs. Weasley said coming into the kitchen cutting off any reply that Harry may have made. “Okay mum.” Ginny said and she hurriedly got up from the table and rushed upstairs to get dressed. Harry sat back with a smile and watched the confusion of the Weasleys dashing about looking for quills and parchment. To him it was a wonderful sight; it was something that made the people around him who they were. After all, Weasleys always left the packing to last minuets… well at least the younger ones did. After some commotion and what sounded like someone falling down the stairs, Fred and George appeared at the bottom of the stairs sounding off that they were ready. “All ready to go.” Fred yelled while he sat down next to Harry. “Yeah, hurry up you slow coaches.” George yelled sitting down on Harry’s other side. “You sure you got everything?” Mrs. Weasley asked them from the door of the kitchen. “YES mum!” They said together and Mrs. Weasley hurried off to check on the others. “So you got your fireworks George?” Harry asked knowing the answer. George had a shocked expression on his face as he hurried out of the kitchen and up the stairs to get his fireworks. “Stupid brother of mine.” Fred said watching his brother run up the stairs to get the fireworks. “Imagine forgetting something like your fireworks. You already for this year Harry? We’re going to win the quidditch cup again this year aren’t we?” “Sure.” Harry said remembering the fact that quidditch was cancelled because of the attacks. This drew Harry’s thoughts to the diary and Ginny and what he was doing. It needed to be done, Harry told himself. He didn’t want Ginny to end up being in a loveless marriage. Ginny’s life would be ruined and he refused to let that happen. “Although.” Harry said as he looked at Fred’s trunk. “I am wondering what you’re going to be playing on…” Harry trailed off, getting Fred to notice that his broomstick wasn’t with his trunk. Harry laughed slightly as Fred ran out of the kitchen and towards the shed that kept all their brooms. Once Fred was out of the door he noticed that Ginny was coming down the stairs fully dressed and carrying her trunk. Harry hopped up and went over and helped her carry it to the other trunks. “Thanks Harry.” Ginny said as they left it by the front door and went back into the kitchen. “So you’re awake now are you?” Harry said, causing Ginny to laugh slightly as she dropped down into her seat at the kitchen table. “No, but that’s normal I suppose.” Ginny mumbled before smiling. “I'm going to Hogwarts today. What is it like? What’s the lessons like? What are the professors like?” Ginny quickly asked him, causing Harry to chuckle. “I already told you this once.” Harry said smiling at her. “I know but I want to hear it again.” Ginny said leaning forward eagerly. “Fine…” and Harry was off telling her about the ghosts and ghouls, the portraits and the lessons. Half an hour later Mrs. Weasley came into the kitchen, ending their conversation. “You got everything Ginny?” Mrs. Weasley asked her and Ginny replied that she had. Suddenly there was a loud bang and Mrs Weasley walked out of the kitchen shouting “Fred, George!” “So what are you most looking forward to when you get to Hogwarts?” Harry asked Ginny. “Lots of things really.” Ginny said thinking. “The lessons will be good. And I simply love quidditch. Do you think I will be allowed to watch you practices?” Ginny asked him. “I'm not sure. I’m going to have to ask Wood.” Harry told her. “Yeah and that’s if I make Gryffindor.” Ginny mumbled just loud enough for Harry to hear. “Of course you’ll make Gryffindor.” Harry reassured her. “I promise you. The sorting hat would be stupid to put you anywhere else.” “Yeah but we don’t really know do we.” Ginny said looking down at the table. “Ginny, if the sorting hat tries to put you anywhere else just say no. Keep saying you want to go into Gryffindor.” Harry told her. “How do you know that will work?” Ginny mumbled. “Cause it did with me.” Harry said and she looked at him wide eyed. “The sorting hat wanted to put me in Slytherin, Ginny. There was no way I was going in there when your brothers were all in Gryffindor. And I know you are going to be in Gryffindor. All Weasleys are. You’re a Weasley so you’ll be put into Gryffindor. Don’t worry about it. And like I said, if it tries something different tell it that Harry Potter says hello and wants you in there and that I’ll get mad at him if he doesn’t do it.” “Thank you.” Ginny smiled at him. “So I was wondering…” Harry started. He needed to plan this right, he didn’t want to miss the train and coming back for the diary might make them late. So he needed to remind Ginny of it. But how was a problem because she hadn’t told him about it yet. “I saw you huddled in a corner last night looking fishy. You weren’t planning on any pranks were you? You know I want to be a part of it if you do.” “No. I err, well I have a diary and…” Ginny said then stopped when she realised she hadn’t packed it. She rushed up the stairs to grab it. Harry was feeling more and more guilty. ‘It’s what makes her fall in love with me. I don’t want her to be in a loveless marriage’ Harry thought over and over again, the thought was becoming a mantra, and although it didn’t make him feel better it made him keep his resolve. Harry watched Ginny come down with the diary in her hand and put it in her pocket. She then came and sat right next to Harry. “You promise not to tell anyone?” Ginny muttered as she sat back down. “That you got a diary?” Harry asked and Ginny nodded. He took a breath before answering. “Sure Ginny, I promise.” “It’s not a normal diary.” Ginny muttered. “I write in it and he writes back.” “He?” Harry asked. “Yes, his name is Tom. He’s friendly and nice just like you. I was bit hesitant at first but he really is a great friend.” Ginny told him. “Ginny don’t you remember what your dad used to tell us. About not trusting anything that you can’t see where it keeps its brain.” Harry told her. “He’s fine Harry. He’s a friend. You’ve got nothing to worry about.” Ginny assured him. “Just be careful please. And if anything happens tell someone okay?” “Really Harry, its fine. You’re overreacting, nothing’s going to happen.” “Just promise me please, Gin, if anything happens you’ll tell someone. “Fine, if anything happens I’ll tell someone. But really Harry, you’re overreacting nothing is going to happen.” Harry could see her roll her eyes as she looked away. However Harry knew that was wrong; he knew that he wasn’t overreacting. He just hoped that she kept her promise; it would make things so much easier if she did. Harry decided to let the subject drop figuring he couldn’t do any more without revealing what he knew, and that would lead to all kinds of questions. Questions he wasn’t ready to answer and questions he didn’t think she was ready to hear the answers to. So they sat there in silence watching the hustle and bustle of the boys packing last minuet things. Harry had resumed his internal mantra and clasped his hands under the table trying to keep his resolve when Mr. Weasley came into the kitchen. Seeing the two just sitting there Mr. Weasley dragged Harry and Ginny outside to help him add the trunks to the car. “Don’t you two breathe a word about this, to anyone. If Molly found out…” Mr. Weasley had left his sentience hanging but both Harry and Ginny knew what would happen and it wasn’t pretty. While the two shuddered at what Mrs. Weasley would do if she knew, Mr. Weasley showed Harry and Ginny the trunk. It was, of course, as Harry remembered, magically resized to accommodate anything put in there. Soon enough they were in the car ready to leave, to go to King’s Cross station. “Now everyone sure they got everything?” Mrs. Weasley asked for the millionth time before they left. After everyone was finished assuring her they had not left anything they left the Burrow and started their journey to platform nine and three quarters. The large group of redheads and one black arrived at half past ten, plenty of time to get on the platform. Ginny and Harry moved along the platform together following Mrs. Weasley as she lead the group of redheads and Harry to platforms nine and ten. “Right Percy you first.” Mrs. Weasley said and she watched Percy walk casually through the barrier. One after another Ginny’s brothers slowly went through the barrier to ensure that no muggles noticed. Soon it was just Ron, Harry, Ginny, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Ron went next through the barrier with no problem and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley turned to Harry and Ginny. “You follow us through right away you got it?” Mrs. Weasley asked anxiously. “Yes mum.” Ginny said. Mrs. Weasley then turned to look at Harry. “Yes mum.” Harry said. Harry had called her mum throughout the summer and now it was like second nature for everyone to hear him call her mum. It wasn’t like he had forgotten his own mother, there was no way Harry could do that. But he thought of Mrs. Weasley in that role, and she played it so much that it just came naturally to him now. He hadn’t quite gotten used to calling Mr. Weasley ‘dad’ but he was getting there. The duo watched as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley walked through the wall. “Come on Harry, we need to go before mum starts to worry.” Ginny said pushing her trolley towards the gate. Harry followed behind her, ready for what was to come. Just before they hit the gate Harry let go of his trolley and pulled Ginny back just in time for the trolleys to smash into the solid brick wall. “What the…” Ginny muttered before looking at Harry. “How did you know?” “Don’t know really. I just had a feeling to stop running.” Harry lied. Harry hoped that Ginny took the lie on but it didn’t look like she believed him. The look she was shooting him clearly spoke of her disbelief. But luckily she let the subject drop and turned her attention toward the trolleys. Ginny picked up her trolley and pushed it against the barrier it was still solid. “Harry what are we going to do if we can’t get in?” Ginny asked him, worry lacing her voice now. “What if mum and dad can’t get back to us?” “Ginny don’t worry.” Harry said looking at the nearest clock. He noticed they still had ten minutes left to get onto the train. “We’ll find a way.” Harry walked up to the stone and patted the wall. It was STILL solid. ‘How long could Dobby keep this up, how long could he keep the spell going before he tired out?’ Harry wondered to himself. He closed his eyes concentrating and soon Harry could feel the magic around him. He could feel the barrier’s magic hiding platform nine and three quarters. He could feel Ginny’s raw magic inside her body and Harry smiled at just how powerful Ginny could become. He felt his own magic and then the magic of a small creature standing a few feet away. “Harry, what are you doing?” Ginny asked him confused. She hadn’t ever seen anyone act this way and she was starting to wonder what exactly was going on. “Thinking.” Harry replied as he tried the barrier again and it was still solid. He walked closer to where Dobby was hiding; knowing Dobby was unaware that Harry could sense him. He bent down acting like he was examining the wall. As he ran his hand over the bricks he whispered to Dobby. “You know, I wonder what your master would say if he found out about your visit to me Dobby.” Harry made sure he whispered only loud enough that the house elf was the only one who could here him. “Mr. Malfoy wouldn’t be too pleased would he?” Harry smirked as he felt Dobby quickly leave the station. When he applied pressure to his hand it slipped easily through the barrier, disappearing before his eyes. Quickly he jumped up and grabbed his trolley. Motioning to Ginny that it was ok now, they both rushed through onto the platform. “What were you two doing?” Mrs. Weasley’s voice carried over the noise of the platform and they saw her hurrying over to them. “The gateway sealed itself mum. We couldn’t get through…” Ginny started rambling and then trailed off as she looked at Harry, trying to find words to describe what had happened next. “Well we need to get you onto the train otherwise it will be leaving without you.” Mrs. Weasley said hurriedly leading the two of them over to the train. Ron’s head appeared at the one of the doors as they approached. “Where were you two?” he immediately asked as soon as they were in hearing range. “The gateway sealed itself and we couldn’t get through.” Harry explained as he pushed his luggage onto the train. Ron reached out an arm and helped pull him onto it. Once Harry was safely on the train, Ron started walking away towards the compartments. Not hearing Harry’s footsteps behind him, Ron turned around to see Harry still standing by the door. “Aren’t you coming?” Ron asked, causing Harry to frown. “Have you forgotten your sister?” Harry told him as he turned back to the door and helped Ginny push her luggage on board. He struggled a bit but managed to get the trunk on the train, the whole time thinking ‘what does she have in here, bricks?’. Harry looked up from the trunk and out the door to see Ginny saying goodbye to her parents. Harry felt a lurch under his feet as the train started moving. “Ginny!” Harry shouted half hanging out the door and she turned to see the train starting to move. Wide eyed Ginny rushed towards the train trying to catch up. Keeping one hand on the inside of the door Harry reached out with the other and grabbed her hand in his. With one swift movement he pushed his body back and pulled her up into the train. She tumbled into the train and onto Harry as he fell backwards, his hand still clasping hers. “Thanks Harry.” Ginny said while she stared down into his eyes. Suddenly realising that she was still lying on top of him she scrambled to stand. When she looked up and noticed that Ron was standing there watching them she blushed the colour of her hair. “We can’t have you being left behind now can we.” Harry replied ignoring her blush and Ron’s stares and got up off the floor. “Ron, have you seen Hermione or Neville about?” “No I was waiting for you.” Ron replied coming out of his momentary stupor. “They’ll be around somewhere. Come on let’s look for them.” Turning down the hall the three of them went off looking for Hermione and Neville. They soon found both in a compartment near the back of the train. Seeing they had company, Hermione and Neville scooted over and they all squeezed into the compartment and settled down for the long ride. “Ginny you’ve met Hermione, at Diagon Ally.” Harry said and Ginny smiled at her. “And you met Neville too at my birthday.” “Hello.” Neville said. “Bet you’re excited. Do you have any idea what house you’ll be in?” “Yup.” Ginny said smiling, “Gryffindor for sure.” “Well.” Hermione started. “You don’t know for one hundred percent sure. Just because your brothers are in Gryffindor doesn’t exactly mean you will be. Sisters and brothers don’t always go into the same house. Look at the Patil twins. One is in Gryffindor whilst the other’s in Ravenclaw.” Harry looked at Ginny and saw she was looking downtrodden and nervous by what Hermione was telling her. “Ginny you will be in Gryffindor for sure. Just remember what I told you.” Harry interrupted Hermione’s rant. “Ignore Hermione. Don’t worry about doing it either; Me, Ron and Neville do it all the time.” Ginny couldn’t help but laugh out loud at that. Hermione crossed her arms and huffed. “Ah, come on Hermione, you know I didn’t mean it.” “I'm sure.” Hermione replied a hint of annoyance in her voice. “Did you guys get all your homework done? Ron?” Hermione said addressing the redheaded boy. “Huh…” Ron said looking at Hermione. “Sorry I wasn’t listening what did you say?” At this Harry, Ginny, and Neville burst out laughing. Harry couldn’t help but think that this proved what he had just said. “I was talking about your homework Ronald.” Hermione huffed. “What about it?” Ron asked. “Have you done it all?” Hermione said exasperated. “Sure most of it.” Ron said shrugging. “Most?” Hermione asked like she couldn’t believe what she heard. “Yeah, I’ve still got an essay for Snape to do.” Ron said shrugging. “I’ll do it tomorrow evening.” “What if we have potions tomorrow Ron?!” Hermione exclaimed. “I just hope we won’t.” Ron told her. “Anyone up for a game of chess?” Throwing up her hands in resignation Hermione started to read while mumbling something about boys and irresponsible and un-finished homework. The next couple of hours saw the four of them playing chess. Hermione just sat and read The Standard Book of Spells Grade Two. First it was Harry and Ron playing with Neville cheered on Ron and Ginny cheered on Harry. Even with Harry’s age and experience over Ron he still couldn’t beat him. Harry just sighed in defeat when Ron’s rook took Harry’s queen and checkmated his king. Next it was Neville’s turn and he didn’t fair much better either, although he did last longer than Harry. After watching the first half hour of the game Harry saw that Ginny wasn’t paying attention any longer. She was sitting in the corner and he saw that she had the diary out and her quill was racing across the page talking to Tom. Watching her, his heart fell; he was hoping that she wouldn’t need to write to him with all of them there to talk to. Suddenly the door to their compartment opened and in walked Malfoy and his goons. “Oh joy.” Harry muttered and Ginny gave him a funny look. “Well, Well, Well, if it isn’t the Potter gang.” Malfoy sneered, looking at them. “Oh look it’s your girlfriend again, Potter.” Harry just shrugged. “At least I can get one.” And he winked at Ginny who just sat there shocked, unable to comprehend what Harry just said. “Unlike you who I very much doubt would ever be able to get a girlfriend.” Malfoy was lost for words, he really expected Harry to deny it. “So it’s true, she really is your girlfriend?” Harry glanced at Ginny and he could tell that she was awfully confused. So Harry decided to end it. “Sadly, no.” Harry said. “However the fact is that Ginny is willing to be my girlfriend and no one is willing to be yours shows how truly, shall I say, incompetent you are to the opposite sex.” “Why you…” Malfoy said starting to head into the compartment and suddenly five wands pointed straight at him. “Ah, Malfoy, always the one to start a fight.” Harry sighed. “And here I thought that maybe you would have grown some sense over the summer. Sadly this seems not to be the case. So let me make you see sense as you don’t seem to be able to do it for yourself. Currently you have yourself and your two cronies. Now they might be big muscled but when it comes to magic they’re more or less worse than a squib. There is also yourself, like I said before. Not the bottom of the class, I admit, but not the top either I'm afraid. Now your daddykins might have taught you some magic over the summer but I'm afraid that might not save you. So that leaves the others in the room. You’ve got Hermione who is the smartest witch EVER to come to Hogwarts and that is a compliment from myself, as my mother is the only other person who scored as high as Hermione does. Funny isn’t it that they’re both muggle born?” “And then you have Ron. Well he has 5 other brothers, one a curse breaker. I'm sure Bill has taught him loads of curses, as well as the Weasley twins. You know them and their practical jokes they love to play on the Slytherins all year round. And then you have Neville. Both his parents were top Aurors in their day. I’m sure some of that has rubbed off on Neville from his family blood.” “And then you have Ginny. Sweet little Ginny.” Harry said looking over to her, making her blush. “You really don’t want to get that red headed firecracker going. When she’s mad she can cast one hell of a bat bogey hex. I'm not sure if you have ever heard of it, I think Quirrell mention it last year. But hers is twice as strong as a normal one. And she hasn’t even tried it yet with her own wand. Just think, now that she has a wand attuned to her, what that curse could do.” “And then you have me.” Harry added as an after thought. “Not someone you particularly want to piss off. Trust me when I tell you this. You haven’t seen what I can really do. So now that you have all of that information which I'm sure you couldn’t have had before you walked into the compartment. May I ask you, Draco, wizard to wizard? Do you really think it wise to come in here, wand waving, trying to assert your power over us when in reality, you don’t have any?” Everyone was looking at Harry speechless. It took a Malfoy a while before getting some words out. “You’re all talk Potter.” He said. “Really?” Harry asked feigning shock. “Now I wonder if you’re actually going to call my bluff or are your just going to stand there like, shall I say, a muggle?” Harry loved the reaction Malfoy took to his words. Malfoy reached for his wand, ready to cast a spell when a shot of light came from the chair opposite him and flew at Malfoy. He was thrown out of the compartment and when Harry looked out of the door he saw Malfoy on the ground, blood slowly trickling from his nose as bat bogeys flew around him. Harry turned, shocked, to look at Ginny. “What?” she asked as she looked down. “I thought we were actually going to curse him. He was going for his wand.” Harry chuckled as he turned and walked towards Malfoy. “Let this be a lesson Malfoy. Stay. Away. From Ginny. If I ever see you harassing her you will pay. Not only will you receive her bat bogey hex but you will get several of my hexes as well. Stay away from us and stay away from Ginny. Do not tease, do not do anything. Just stay away from her. Comprende?” Malfoy just nodded trying to bat away several green winged and clawed blobs diving at his face. Harry smiled and turned his back on Malfoy and shut the door in his face. “That was bloody cool!” Ron said to Ginny as Harry returned to his seat. “I'm so glad that bat bogey hex was not going in my direction. Remind me sis to never piss you off again.” “Err… yeah… sure.” Ginny muttered and Harry smiled. “Not expecting it to be that powerful hey Gin?” he asked her. “What if I really hurt him?” Ginny asked. “It would make it even funnier.” Harry replied pride radiating off of him. “You shouldn’t be encouraging her!” Hermione told them. “She could get in trouble.” “True.” Harry said nodding. “But I think Ginny would agree with me that it was worth it.” Harry turned and winked at her causing Ginny to laugh out loud again. “Argh, you’re incorrigible.” Hermione said. “So they say.” Harry said shrugging, sitting back down. Soon the witch with the lunch trolley came round and Harry realised just how starving he was. He rushed to the trolley and bought what seamed like two of everything. “That’s not very good for you, you know.” Hermione said eyeing all the sugary sweets. “Of course they are.” Harry replied. “You just do a spell to stop your teeth from rotting.” “Really…” Hermione said leaning forwards. “There’s a spell for that. How come I have never heard of it? Which book is it in? I'm sure my parents would be pleased to hear about it.” “Well…” Harry said starting and he could see Ginny giggling in her corner. She knew Harry knew no spell like that and he was just trying to get Hermione off his back. Smiling at Ginny he thought of a way around the situation. “I'm not entirely sure. Ginny was the one who taught me it.” “Really Ginny.” Hermione said looking now at the redhead in the corner. “Can you teach me it? What other spells do you know? That curse you did on Malfoy looked really good, could you teach me that too? Oh, this could be really good, you being from a wizard family I bet you know all kind of spells.” Ginny shot a look at Harry which clearly told him that he was so going to be in trouble later and then started to talk to Hermione about the different spells she knew her mother used around the household. “You know you’re going to pay for that one later, don’t you?” Ron whispered to him looking fearfully at his sister but trying to contain his chuckles at the same time. “Yes.” Harry replied. “Let’s just hope she doesn’t think it merits the bat bogey hex.” Ron smiled sympathetically at him and went back to eating his lunch. For a couple of hours they sat and talked about many things; the school year, pranks that could be pulled, quidditch and other thing they thought Ginny would enjoy at Hogwarts. But soon they felt the train slowing down. “We’d better get changed.” Hermione said. “Me and Ginny will go outside and leave you boys to change.” With that, Ginny and Hermione left the compartment, leaving Harry, Neville, and Ron alone. Once they were changed they went outside of the compartment whilst Ginny and Hermione came in and took their turn. When they train pulled up into Hogsmeade Station they all scrambled out onto the platform and joined the mass of students. “Firs’ years over ‘ere. Firs’ years over ‘ere.” Harry heard Hagrid call out. “Alright you lot.” Hagrid said noticing them. “Hey Hagrid.” Ron, Neville, Hermione, and Harry said together. “How was your summer?” He asked them. “Fine.” Ron replied. “Yeah, but glad to be back.” Harry said. “Right you are mate.” Hagrid agreed. “There’s no place likes Hogwarts. Can’t disagree with you there.” Hagrid said smiling at them. “Now come on Ginny or you are going to miss the sorting.” Ginny walked towards where Hagrid was pointing to and noticed that the rest weren’t following her. “First years go over the lake whilst the rest of us go by horseless carriage.” Harry explained when she tuned to look at them. “We’ll meet you at the Gryffindor table after your sorting.” With that the four of them turned towards the carriages that took them up to the castle. “How did you know it was a horseless carriage?” Hermione asked Harry as she climbed into the carriage Ron, Neville and himself were in. “Sirius told me.” Harry replied and Hermione had no reason to question that response. Once the carriages pulled up outside the castle they got out and walked into the great hall. “Well, well, well if it isn’t ickle students again, so much fun.” The crackling voice of Peeves was found. Harry smiled as he looked up to see Peeves with a pack of dung bombs in his hands. “Peeves.” Professor McGonagall’s voice rang out. “Get out of here!” “But I was just about to have so much fun!” Peeves cackled and threw a dung bomb at the crowd. Harry noticed that it was nowhere near him. “Peeves, I’ll get the headmaster!” McGonagall screeched out. Harry watched in amusement as Peeves flew away. He swore he heard Peeves mutter something along the lines of “Always spoil my fun, prank them good I should…”. At those words Harry had an idea shoot threw his head. He smiled and hoped that all parties would agree to it. Harry and the rest walked into the great hall and towards the Gryffindor table. They sat down in their usual seats, waiting for the great hall to fill up and the sorting to begin. After a couple of minutes the doors to the great hall burst open and in came McGonagall followed by the new first years. Ginny wasn’t that hard to find with her red hair. The glow from the candles made it shine and it was very easily recognisable. ‘How could she only be eleven but still look really gorgeous at the same time?’ Harry thought as he followed her progress along the hall and up the stairs so that she and the other first years stood in front of the whole school, waiting to be sorted. McGonagall walked away and a minute later she came back with a three legged stool and the sorting hat. She placed the stool in front of the first years and then placed the hat on top of it. Harry waited anxiously for Gideon to start. He wasn’t waiting long when he saw the seam at the brim of the hat open up for a mouth and start to sing: I welcome you to school this year, Familiar and anew. I am the Sorting Hat, who’s here, To sort you fair and true. The four great houses you all know, I’ll put you in the one. That sets you on your path in life, Until you’re dead and gone. Gryffindor is first to be, A house with heart and pride. Where noble witch and wizard go, To choose the rightful side. Ravenclaw is next in line, A house of wit and smarts. Intellect is in demand, As is a clever heart. Hufflepuff is next to last, A just and lawful kind, They stay in turn and say yes sir, And keep an open mind. Slytherin is last, not least, For they are a special breed. With wands in hand, and heads held high, A warning they do heed. So let me see your gifted mind To see where you ought to be The secrets of your hearts content, Are never safe from me. Now put me on and don’t be scarred It doesn’t take that long I’ll take a peek inside your head And see where you belong. Harry watched Ginny grow more nervous as Professor McGonagall stepped forward with the scroll which had the lists of names of the students starting new this year. “When I call your name you will come to the front and I will place the hat on your head. Once the hat calls out your house you will then proceed to the relevant table… “Adams, Leanne.” McGonagall called out and a girl with short brown hair came out and sat on the stool. McGonagall put Gideon on her head and they waited. Not long after he called out “Ravenclaw”. The Ravenclaw table clapped the loudest as she made her way over to them. “Barkley, Stew.” Harry saw a tall lanky boy walk over to Gideon. They way he walked screamed out to Harry ‘pureblood’, and an old wizard family at that. Harry didn’t know why but he just knew what was coming next. Maybe it was the way he acted like Malfoy but Harry was not surprised when he was sorted. Gideon was only on his head for a mere few seconds before screaming out “Slytherin.” Harry waited patiently as the next two students Sonia Brichson and Christopher Botts both became Hufflepuffs. “Bradshaw, Ashley.” McGonagall called out and a girl with brown hair came out of the line and sat on the stool. A couple of minutes latter Gideon screamed out “Gryffindor” and the table erupted in cheers. The next two people became Ravenclaws and then it was Colin Creevey’s turn. Harry nearly laughed out loud when he saw the camera wrapped around his neck. Typical Colin. But what really surprised him, and allowed a few snorts and chuckles out, was when Collin was a mere meter from the hat he stopped lifted up his camera and took a picture of Gideon. Gideon looked astonished and wasn’t sure what was going on which made Harry chuckle even more. Soon afterwards Gideon put Colin into Gryffindor and moved onto the next student. It wasn’t long and the students had dwindled down to only two and it was Ginny’s turn. Ginny walked over to the hat quite nervously and sat on the stool provided. McGonagall placed the hat on her head and waited. And waited. A couple of minutes later the sorting hat still hadn’t made a decision. ‘What the hell is going on?’ Harry wondered. Ginny had Weasley blood in her, and she was Harry’s wife. She wanted to go into Gryffindor and he had profusely asked Gideon to put her in Gryffindor last year. Harry was starting to get really worried. It was then he noticed that a tear was rolling down her cheek. Harry observed that sometime in her sorting her hands had come to grab the edge of the stool and her knuckles were turning white from how hard she was squeezing them. Then Ginny shuddered and Harry knew instantly that she was crying. Harry had had enough. He instantly closed his eyes and sought out Ginny and Gideon using his magic. He felt them there and he felt Ginny’s fear. Harry located Ginny’s mind and paused, thinking of what he was just about to do. He very discreetly entered her mind. “No Miss, I don’t care what you say. Slytherin is the house for you.” He heard Gideon’s voice. “Please. Not Slytherin. Please I want to go to Gryffindor. My family is there. Harry is there.” He heard Ginny plead. Harry could hear the frightened uncontrollable sadness in her voice. “Please I want to be with Harry.” “But your ability’s prove that you belong in Slytherin. You definitely have Slytherin traits in you child. Slytherin is the house for you. I have never been wrong before.” Harry heard Gideon say. “Please I’ll do anything. Please I want to be with Harry. I want to be with my family in Gryffindor.” Ginny pleaded. “I’m sorry but I have mad my decision. Slytherin is the house for you.” Harry heard Gideon reply and thought that now was the time to step in. “Say that to the great hall Gideon and it will be the last thing you ever do.” Harry hissed into Ginny’s mind. Harry felt Ginny freeze with shock and could here Gideon splutter uncontrollably. “Mr. Potter what the hell do you think your doing.” He heard Gideon say at last. “Stopping you from making the biggest mistake in your sorry excuse of a life.” Harry replied. “Did I not ask you to put Ginny into Gryffindor last year when you sorted me? I'm quite handy at remembering conversations. You agreed to put her in Gryffindor. Now please do tell me why you’re trying to put Ginny here in Slytherin when she belongs in Gryffindor with me and her family.” “I shouldn’t have made that promise without looking at the person’s mind and abilities.” Gideon replied. “She belongs in Slytherin.” “Well last time I asked. Obviously that didn’t work, so this time I'm telling. PUT. HER. INTO. GRYFFINDOR.” Harry shouted the last few words. “I refuse to.” Gideon replied. “Both me and you know, Gideon, that you don’t have a choice. I order you, now do it!” Harry said getting angry. There was a silence for a little while before a sigh. “GRYFFINDOR” Harry heard the hat shout out and Harry withdrew from Ginny’s mind in time to see Ginny stand shakily up from the stool. Harry saw McGonagall lean in and whisper something to her. Ginny just nodded then walked towards the Gryffindor table, her eyes never leaving Harry’s. Harry watched as she made her way over to them and sat down quietly next to him. With a thoughtful expression on her face she turned to look at Harry and opened her mouth to ask the question Harry knew was coming. “Later Ginny.” Harry whispered to her, stopping her in her tracks. “Not now, later.” Harry turned back to look at the front of the great hall to see “Gerry Weston.” Getting sorted into Hufflepuff and then Professor McGonagall took the stool and the sorting hat away. Once McGonagall had returned to her seat Professor Dumbledore stood up. The whole hall, including the first years, instantly fell into silence. “Welcome all to a new year. Before we are all befuddled by our excellent feast I would like to make a few notices. First years please note that the forbidden forest is strictly out of bounds.” Dumbledore said. “I would also like to welcome Professor Lockhart who will be teaching the class Defence Against the Dark Arts.” Throughout the great hall students, mostly witches, clapped loudly whispering to their neighbours about how wonderful he was. “I also have a notice from our caretaker Mr. Filch saying that dry start fireworks have been added to the banned list of items this year.” Harry saw Fred and George a few seats down the table lean into each other and snigger. Harry knew that even if they were banned Fred and George would still use their fireworks. Heck this would give them MORE reason to use them. “Quidditch tryouts will be held on the second week of term. If anyone is interested please inform your head of house.” “Now that the important announcements are out of the way, tuck in.” Dumbledore said sitting back down as food started to appear in the middle of the table. “Wow.” Harry heard Ginny mutter. Harry leaned over to Ginny. “You think that’s good. You haven’t seen anything yet.” He said to her and she smiled as she dug into the food. Soon they were finished with the feast and the plates that were filled with food disappeared. Dumbledore once again stood up. “I believe it is bedtime so off you trot and don’t hang about.” With that everyone stood up and Harry, Neville, Ron, Ginny and Hermione started walking towards the door. “Ginny come on.” Harry called out to her when Ginny went to follow the rest of the Gryffindors along a corridor. Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Neville had turned the opposite way and were waiting for her expectantly. “What?” Ginny asked confused. “We know a shortcut.” Neville said and the five of them walked off in a different direction from the rest of the crowd. Harry led them through various passageways and hidden staircases and soon they were walking along the seventh floor corridor and up to the Fat Lady. “Hello.” The Fat Lady said. “Password, please.” “Wattlebird.” Harry said and the Fat Lady swung open and let them in. “How did you know that?” Hermione asked as they went inside the common room. “A prefect downstairs told me.” Harry lied. Truthfully he had remembered it from last time around. “We’ll I’m off to bed.” Hermione told them. “We need to be ready for lessons tomorrow. You guy’s shouldn’t be too long going to bed either.” “Yes ma’am.” Harry replied, receiving a groan from Hermione. “I'm too tired to deal with your sarcasm at the moment.” Hermione said as she disappeared up the stairs. “Come on, we should go to bed too, unless we want Hermione breathing down our necks tomorrow morning.” Neville muttered as he walked towards their dorms with Ron trailing after him. “I’ll be up soon guys; I want to talk to Fred and George.” Harry told them. “Why?” Ron asked. “That’s my secret Ron.” Harry replied with a grin. Too tired to argue, Ron just shrugged and went upstairs with Neville. “I guess you want me to go too then.” Ginny muttered, heading towards the stairwell Hermione disappeared up. “Nope, you’re part of this plan.” Harry said grabbing her hand and leading her over to the couch near the fire. “What is this plan?” Ginny asked. “Let’s wait for Fred and George first.” Harry replied. Soon enough the portrait hole burst opened and the Gryffindors first years rolled in. Once the first years were in the common room all the other years seamed to slowly trickle in. In the commotion of all the start of year conversations it took five minutes before they noticed Fred and George. Harry quickly leapt up from the couch and pushed his way over to them. “Hey mates, stay down here for a little while. I want to talk to you.” Harry told them when he finally reached them. Confused they looked over the crowd to where Ginny was sitting and saw that she was as much in the dark as they were. “What is it about?” Fred asked. “You’ll find out if you come over.” Harry replied. Fred looked at George who just shrugged and they walked over to where Ginny was sitting. Once all four were seated, they waited patiently for everyone to go upstairs. “Okay what’s this about?” George asked after Percy gave them a shrewd look and then went upstairs. “Well I was wandering if you three would like to join me in a prank.” Harry said to them. He wore the same smile that Sirius wore when thinking of devious things. “Well this is not what we were expecting, were we George?” Fred said. “Not really, no.” George said. “How can we help?” Fred again spoke up while turning to look at Harry. “Ginny you in?” Harry asked her. “You want me to help you pull a prank?” Ginny asked nervously. “Yup.” Harry replied. Then she hit him on the arm. “Prat!” she said smiling. “I'm always up for a prank. Why on earth did you feel like you had to ask?” Harry smiled at that. “Peeves.” Harry shouted out and to the surprise of Ginny and the twins Peeves popped into existence in front of him. “You rang!” Peeves crackled. “I was wandering if you would like to help us with a prank Peeves.” Harry told him. “Do I have a choice Harry?” Peeves asked. “Of course, but I would be a little upset if you did turn your back on a good prank. Word might just get around.” Harry warned. “You know Peevesy, Harry.” Peeves said in a sing-song voice. “I’ll do anything for a good prank.” “Wait, since when does Peeves listen to you Harry?” Fred asked confused. “It’s a secret mate. One I hope you three will keep.” Harry said looking at Fred, George and Ginny. All three of them nodded. “Right so here is what I had planned…” Harry started. An hour latter after lots of discussion Fred and George disappeared up to bed and Peeves disappeared through the wall. They had thankfully worked out the kinks to the prank, and everyone knew what their part was going to be. Ginny waited a little to make sure the twins were out of earshot before rounding on Harry. Before he knew what was happening he felt Ginny’s arms wrap around his neck, pulling him into a massive hug. “Thank you.” Ginny whispered gently. She sounded as if she was on the verge of tears again, and that was defiantly weird for her. “For what?” Harry asked. He was starting to wonder what was up since Ginny hardly ever even came close to crying. “You know what!” Ginny replied. “How did you do it? I mean one minute he was putting me into Slytherin and then I hear your voice in my head! Can you hear my thoughts or something?” “No.” Harry replied instantly, and Ginny looked at him confused “Well…” Harry continued. “Only if I concentrate really hard I can. But please don’t tell anyone. And I only did it once. I will never do that again. You just looked so upset. I actually saw you crying. I wanted to help.” “So can you hear my thoughts now?” Ginny asked. “No Ginny.” Harry said. “I told you. I only did that once. And I will never ever do it again. Someone’s thoughts are private. They should belong to only them. I swear on my magic that I will never do that again to you.” “Thank you.” Ginny said yawning. “But do you think that maybe… I really do…” “You belong in Gryffindor.” Harry told her sternly, putting his hand on her shoulder, sensing where she was going with the sentence. “No where else Ginny. You belong in Gryffindor.” “You really think so?” Ginny asked. “I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t Gin.” Harry told her. “What if you’re wrong?” Ginny asked again she was starting to look really worried now. “I’m not.” Harry simply replied, hugging her tighter. “You are where you belong, Ginny. Never think otherwise okay.” “Thank you.” Ginny whispered. “Thank you so much.” “Don’t mention it. I just made sure you were where you belong. Nothing more.” Harry said. “I'm going to bed.” Ginny muttered. “See you in the morning?” “Of course” Harry said. “Where else would I go?” With that Ginny walked up the stairs to her new dorm. After watching Ginny disappear, Harry turned and went up the boys staircase. He entered his room to find all of his roommates fast asleep. Harry went over to his trunk, grabbed the invisibility cloak and the marauders map and then returned back down to the common room. He needed to talk with Dumbledore tonight. So rather than going to bed as he wished, Harry dragged himself out of the common room and towards Dumbledore’s office. -oOoOoOo- Harry reached the headmaster’s office twenty minutes later. He couldn’t believe how long it took but than again he had run across Snape, Filch and two prefects. Once getting there he realised his mistake as he could have just called Estelle. ‘That’s what tiredness does to you.’ Harry thought sighing. Slowly and tiredly he stepped onto the spiral staircase, glad for the fact that it moved him upwards on its own. Once he got to the door he knocked gently. He wasn’t sure if Dumbledore was still up. “Come in.” came the voice of the headmaster and Harry gingerly walked into the room. Inside the office he noticed Dumbledore was sitting in his chair behind the desk and Sirius was standing near the window. “Harry what a pleasant surprise.” Dumbledore said greeting him. “Now I know you didn’t tell me last time, but that’s the second time you managed to come to my office without a password. I have to tell you Harry, I am really intrigued into finding out how.” Dumbledore finished with a twinkle in his eye. “And as I told you last time Albus.” Harry replied. “It is one of my various secrets I am not, as yet, willing to give out.” “Pity.” Albus said nodding. “What are you doing here Sirius?” Harry said, turning his attention to his godfather. “Sirius here was just updating me on the Horcrux hunt.” Dumbledore explained to Harry and suddenly Harry was wide awake. “Really.” Harry said eagerly sitting up in the chair rather than slouching. “How is it going?” “Very Well.” Sirius said. “As I am the heir of the Black line it was rather easy for me to get into Grimmauld Place.” As he said that Dumbledore took out the famous golden locket of Slytherin. “It has already been destroyed and now it’s just a golden necklace.” Dumbledore told Harry as he placed it on the table. “I also collected Gaunt’s ring.” Sirius said, causing Harry to quickly look at Sirius’s hands. “By the place you are looking you remember about the curse on it.” “Yeah but then how come your hand isn’t…” Harry started. “Dead?” Sirius finished for him. “When you grow up in a family like mine Harry you learn to look for everything.” “But how come you recognised something like that but not Dumbledore.” Harry asked. “Harry?” Dumbledore asked confused. “Last time around it was you who went and found Gaunt’s ring.” Harry explained. “And it cursed your hand. It was literately dead. No chance of getting it back to normal. So how come that didn’t happen with Sirius? “You knew about that curse and didn’t warn me!” Sirius said outraged. “If you told me that you were going after Gaunt’s ring, I would have!” Harry responded “How was I meant to know.” “Fine.” Sirius said grumpily. “I was looking for it that’s why. When you grow up with a family like mine you learn to look for everything! That curse was one of my dad’s favourites.” “So you got the Ring and the Locket. Any others?” Harry asked. "Not Yet." Sirius said “Understood.” Harry said nodding. “So which one are you going after next?” “The cup.” Sirius answered. “It’s in the muggle orphanage so it is going to be a little difficult, but it should be okay.” “And then there is the diary.” Dumbledore said. “I seem to remember you saying you would be able to destroy it this year. So where is it?” This was the part Harry wasn’t looking forward too. What if they didn’t understand? “The diary is currently here at Hogwarts…” Harry started. “Good, so we should be able to destroy it within the week.” Sirius said smiling. “Not really…” Harry said. “Harry what aren’t you telling us?” Albus asked him. “Well I never told you exactly what the diary does. I just said the diary is a Horcrux…” Harry started. “Then please explain.” Dumbledore said curiously. Harry took a deep breath and plunged in. “The diary holds a sixteen year old version of Tom Riddle. Someone writes in the diary and Tom, as his sixteen year old self, writes back.” Harry started looking at Dumbledore. Would he connect that Riddle was sixteen when the chamber was opened. Taking another breath he plunged on. “If they write to him long enough and give him enough information it will allow Tom to get enough energy to... well… posses them.” Harry saw Dumbledore’s eye’s narrow. “Once he posses them he will force them to open the Chamber of Secrets and set a basilisk loose on muggle-born students.” “Why am I getting the distinct impression that you want this to happen!” Dumbledore said coldly. “The person that has the diary. The person that is possessed and forced to attack people… Well it’s Ginny.” Harry said quietly shifting his gaze to the floor. “Sorry…” Sirius said. “But I just got the idea that you want Ginny to be possessed by Voldemort, and be forced to attack students!” Harry didn’t say a word. He just nodded his head. “Ginny. Your future wife, the love of your life and you’re going to let her go through this!” Sirius shouted sounding exasperated. “What are you thinking?” “I want her to love me.” Harry explained quietly, his eyes shifting from Sirius to Dumbledore. “Me saving her from the Chamber of Secrets. It’s what makes her fall in love with me. I don’t want her to be in a loveless marriage.” Something in Dumbledore’s eye’s told Harry he’d figured something out. “Then she won’t marry you Harry. I know you love her and everything, but to love is to learn when to let go.” Sirius said. “She’s already married to you isn’t she?” Dumbledore interrupted. Harry looked at the old wizard sitting behind his desk and nodded. “How did you know?” Harry asked. “The school registry. Where it comes up telling me what wizards to send the letters to. Her name came up as Ginny Potter.” Dumbledore explained. “I managed to change it to Ginny Weasley for you. But her name was Ginny Potter on the registry. It just occurred to me why it was that way.” “You’re right. She is my wife now.” Harry explained. “And there is no way to get a divorce. It’s either do this and have her be in love with me…be in love with the person she’s married too. Or don’t and risk the chance of her being in a loveless marriage for the rest of her life. I don’t want that for her. I didn’t come back in time just to ruin her life like that.” Sirius and Dumbledore exchanged glances. “Harry we don’t like this one bit.” Sirius said. “What do you think will happen when Ginny finds out that you let her do this? Do you really think she’ll still love you?” “I know she will be upset when she first finds out. But once I explained everything to her. Once I tell her about everything. She might understand.” Harry said. “She might not.” Sirius replied. “True. But still. She’ll definitely be upset but I think maybe she can forgive me once she learns I did it out of love.” Harry continued to argue. “You really think so?” Sirius asked gently. Harry just nodded. “Well she is your wife. If anyone knows her best it’s you.” “Does this mean you’re going to let this happen? You’re going to let me do this?” Harry asked. “I don’t agree with what you are doing Harry.” Sirius said. “But I do understand and yes I will back you. I just hope you know Ginny as well as you say.” Harry looked over to Dumbledore, hoping that he would give his permission for this. “You do know what you are asking of me Harry?” Dumbledore said. “You are asking me to give the go ahead of attacks that will harm my students. They will be petrified Harry.” “Not many.” Harry argued. “What happens when these attacks don’t stop?” Dumbledore asked. “I will surely be seen as unfit to be headmaster anymore.” “You come back.” Harry said starting to sound distressed. He was so afraid that they wouldn’t let this happen. He didn’t know how he would manage things if they didn’t. “When Ginny is taken down into the Chamber the Governor’s ask you to come back.” “So not only are you asking me to put my students in danger but risk losing my job too?” Dumbledore asked gently. “There is no risk. I've been through this before. They get petrified sure. But no one gets seriously hurt and you come back. After Ginny is taken down into the Chamber the governors ask you to come back. Something about not wanting to suspend you in the first place.” “Not wanting to…” Sirius muttered confused. “This is all set up by Lucius Malfoy.” Harry explained. “He’s literately killing two birds with one stone, or trying to anyhow. He removes Dumbledore as headmaster and people learn that Mr Weasley’s daughter is attacking muggle-born students. So the muggle protection act Mr Weasley is trying to put through…. “Fails.” Sirius finished for him. “That right stinking bastard.” “But it doesn’t work.” Harry explained. “No one gets hurt, just petrified. Dumbledore comes back at the end of the year. Mr Weasley’s act does go through, and next year everything goes back to normal.” “You really want this to happen don’t you Harry?” Dumbledore asked. “Albus, she’s my wife, is it really too much to ask for your own wife to love you.” Harry was starting to sound distressed again. Both men could see the fear clearly in his eyes. “I came back in time to change many things but not the fact that Ginny falls in love with me. Please Albus. I’m not sure what I would do if I lost her again. Losing her to death is one thing. But losing her because she doesn’t love me, I don’t think I could handle that. Dumbledore sighed and took off his glasses, cleaning them before putting them back on. “You promise me no one will get seriously injured?” “They don’t Albus.” Harry said trying to fight down the hope the headmaster gave him at hearing those words. “You really want to do this?” Dumbledore asked again. “Yes.” Harry said yet again. “Then I suppose, as you’re the person who came back in time, it is up to you what happens. But listen to me now. If any one of my students gets hurt…” “They don’t.” Harry said cutting him of. “I promise. They get petrified. But reawakened at the end of the year. No one gets hurt.” “Then…” Dumbledore said sighing. “I won’t get in your way. But please note, I don’t like this, I think you’re making a big mistake.” “I understand.” Harry said nodding. “Believe me, I understand Albus.” |
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