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HB Prince: Year of Love | ||||||
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Category: Post-OotP Characters:All, All Genres: Angst, Drama, Fluff, Humor Warnings: None Rating: PG Reviews: 309 Summary: *** The author has been reminded via the e-mail address on file that this story is listed as incomplete and has not been updated in over 2 years *** This story starts at the end of Order Of The Phoenix. Although this story starts as the usual Harry/Ginny romance, I believe after several chapters, you will find that Ancient Dark Magic takes on a whole new meaning to our Harry and Ginny. Will Harry discover the key to the Half-Blood Prince?* * * *American Edition *** * * * Hitcount: Story Total: 196383; Chapter Total: 3541 Author's Notes: SUMMARY: Praise for the deserved. - - I smell a rat!
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Chapter Thirty-seven End of Term The following Monday at dinner, Dumbledore made an announcement. “Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of a toilet seat, is to contact Professor Snape in his office.” Lee Jordan raised his hand. “Yes, Mr. Jordan?” “This toilet seat, could it be just any toilet seat or is there something unusual about it?” “I would think that we are talking about a normal toilet seat that is not attached to anything. Am I correct, Professor Snape?” Snape sneered, then nodded. The room filled with whispers and giggles. * * * * Ginny and Luna were now up to their necks in homework. There were only a few days left before their O.W.L.s. They were both complaining about having so much homework but were still expected to review each subject. On the last Saturday before their tests, they both bowed out of the maze meeting. They did, however, teach their regular D.A. classes. That morning Harry insisted that Ginny take a walk with him. First they went out to the Quidditch pitch and rode their brooms. They flew around the pitch, side by side, then did a few tricks. Ginny had learned to Loop De Loop, so they practiced doing them in unison. When they tired of that, they took a walk down by the lake. They were going to be separated for a while during summer break. Dumbledore had told him that he would be staying with the Dursleys for at least a couple of weeks. Harry wanted to spend every minute they could spare, together. As always, they could not talk about their lives or anything real intimate, but the could talk a little bit about their love for each other. When they were passing between trees or other large foliage, they did indulge in a few passionate kisses, but kept that to a minimum. They had to keep themselves within sight of anyone watching them. Neither Harry or Ginny would normally want to be seen kissing. That was something they both felt was private. After lunch, Ginny went back to her studying and Harry went back to the maze. He took the book with him. He examined the binding over and over. He looked at each chapter page again and again. He could find nothing else to give him a clue. He was running out of time! After a couple of hours, he gave up and went back to the Common Room to do a bit of studying for the tests coming that week. When they went down to dinner that night, they were all in for a big surprise. There were a couple of extra tables across the front of the room near Dumbledore’s table. At these tables were people that Harry knew and others he did not. The Weasleys, Lupin and Fred and George were seated at one table along with another man and woman that Harry didn’t know. At the other table were a few others. The only ones he recognized at that table was Madam Bones from the Ministry of Magic and Rita Skeeter. Dumbledore rose after the room had filled. “There will be some announcements after dinner. Please remain seated. For those of you studying for final exams, this will not take too long. Tuck in!” While they ate, Harry watched the Weasley’s and Lupin. They were all dressed in finery. Another triumph for Mrs. Weasley, she looked gorgeous. After dinner, Dumbledore rose again. “I want to present Mr. Lane, chief administrator of St. Mungo’s.” Everyone politely applauded, as he took center stage. “Earlier this year, six students from Hogwarts uncovered a vicious plot at our hospital. There were several patients that have benefited from this discovery.” “I am here to recognize these students. Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley and Ginevra Weasley. Would you rise and come forward?” They all turned pink but did as requested and went forward. Mr. Lane shook each student’s hand in turn, then he awarded a plaque to each one. Colin had his camera ready and took pictures of each of them as they accepted their award. “These students have shown courage and intelligence beyond measure. They each will also receive FREE medical care at St. Mungo’s for life. We at St. Mungo’s will never be able to thank them enough.” Everyone applauded them (except Malfoy and his cronies). They each had turned red, but pleased. They were about to go back to their seats when they were interrupted. “Before you sit down, since you are all here before us, I think now is a good time to acknowledge your efforts this year,” said Dumbledore. “There are approximately two hundred students here at Hogwarts that have had extra training against the evil forces that now threaten our world.” “These same six students have sacrificed many many hours of their time to teach their fellow students. Each of them will be receiving another award from Hogwarts for ‘Special Services to the School’. He then handed each of them another plaque with their name engraved on it. “Harry, I think it would be proper for you to speak for the group,” said Dumbledore. Harry was unprepared and embarrassed, he blushed. Dumbledore firmly placed his hand on Harry’s shoulder and gently pushed him forward. “Er... thank you, Professor,” started Harry. “I guess I just want to say that, all the students that took extra classes of defense, did so voluntarily. They all worked hard and I am proud of each of them.” “I will add that without the efforts of Ginny and Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom, this task would not have been possible. Each of them deserve our praise.” The crowd applauded them. There were several others that helped teach,” Harry named off all the Advanced students that had taught this year. He had each one stand. “They all deserve your applause.” Again crowd applauded them. Dumbledore let the applause go on for several minutes before raising his hands. “Those of you who are willing to risk a slightly lower grade on their exams, may remain here in the Great Hall for a celebration tonight. There will be goodies and drinks for all.” The crowd jumped up and applauded. The tables were now garnished with all the goodies that the House Elves were famous for. It seems that there were few, if any, who left to go study. They all went over to the Weasley table to visit. Arthur rose and hugged his son and daughter. He then pulled Harry in for a big hug. Harry didn’t know exactly how Arthur was going to accept him, but was relieved at his greeting. He returned the hug and patted him on the back. For Harry, Molly was no problem. He bowed before her and kissed her hand. “I’m so happy to see you, Molly Dear,” said Harry. “Bend down and give me a hug, Harry, dear,” said Molly. Harry bent down and gave her a big hug and kissed her cheek. Molly beamed. Lupin just finished hugging Luna, when Harry approached him. They gave each other a big hug and shook hands. “I’ll have pictures to show you when I get home. Colin took several,” said Harry. Lupin grinned. Harry shook hands with Fred and George and whispered a question to them. “How long does it take for you to remove a NORMAL toilet seat?” whispered Harry. “A couple of minutes,” said Fred. “Less if we are in good form,” added George. “The trick, is to be able to walk away with it, after it is removed.” “Why?” they both asked in unison. “We have something to show you when school ends,” said Harry, grinning. “Who’s we?” asked Fred. “You’ll see,” said Harry, grinning. Neville pulled Harry aside and brought him over to the two people that Harry didn’t know. “Mum, Dad, this is Harry,” said Neville. “I am honored to meet you,” said Harry, bowing. Harry shook their hands. He hadn’t recognized them from the people he had seen at St. Mungo’s last year. They both looked completely transformed. “WE are honored to meet YOU,” said Mr. Longbottom. “My, you look so much like your father.” “But he has his mother’s eyes,” said Mrs. Longbottom. “So, you KNEW my parents?” asked Harry. “Oh yes! Lily and I were both expecting at the same time. I knew her very well.” “Will you tell me about her some time?” asked Harry. “Yes, sometime when we meet more privately,” said Mrs. Longbottom. Neville introduced the others to his parents. They each were praised for their help in solving the mystery. Madam Bones walked over and shook their hands also. “We are all so proud of you,” she said. Harry blushed. Rita Skeeter walked up with her Quick Quotes Quill. “Anything you would like our readers to know?” asked Rita. “Nothing printable,” said Harry. Harry caught Neville’s eye. He motioned with his hand, a zipper across this lips. He caught on and didn’t talk to Rita. He didn’t have to tell Ron, Hermione, Luna and Ginny about the dangers of talking to Rita. Harry watched as Ginny talked to Lupin. He bet that she was grilling him about Tonks. She was smiling and giggled at some of his remarks. He watched as she talked with her father. Arthur squeezed her shoulder several times during their conversation. She always had a soft look on her face when she talked with her father. He sometimes got that same look from her. It always melted his heart. Whatever they were talking about, Harry knew that Arthur was putty in her hands. He loved watching her. When she talked with Fred and George, they turned red. She could match their wit and sometimes beat them at their own game. He knew she just got to them about something. He grinned. When she talked with Molly, they were whispering very seriously for several minutes. He knew they were up to something too, because when she walked away she had a satisfied grin on her face. He got close to her and asked about it. “There are SOME things that a girl shares with her mother that are not shared with anyone else,” said Ginny. “Oh! Sorry. I wasn’t raised around girls, so I didn’t know,” said Harry, blushing. “Don’t worry, Love. You’ll learn,” said Ginny. At one point in the evening, Harry heard a conversation between Fred and George and Ron. “You know, that you now have all the free drinks you want at The Three Broomsticks... “ “AND free medical at St. Mungo’s... “ “You are set for life!” said Fred and George in unison. “Yep! and I plan to use both services in order. Get plastered at The Three Broomsticks and revived at St. Mungo’s,” said Ron. “No you won’t!” said Molly, who had heard the conversation. “Curses!” said Ron. “I’ll CURSE YOU if you keep an attitude like that, Ronald Weasley! ” said Molly. “Mum, you’re supposed to be here to support me, not punishing me. I haven’t even done anything yet,” said Ron. “Yet! You’ll see yet!” said Molly. “Molly, give him a break. He hasn’t done anything,” said Arthur. “I’m just giving him fair warning,” said Molly. Ron rolled his eyes. Why was there always something to ruin his great moments? “Ron’s just letting off a little steam,” said Harry. “He hasn’t been in any trouble. Of course, he hasn’t had enough time to get into any trouble. He has worked very hard this year, more than anyone would expect of him or anyone else. I’m personally very proud of him.” “I agree,” said Ginny. “Between being a Prefect, Quidditch Captain, keeping up his studies AND teaching D.A. this year, even I’m impressed.” “Well, then ok. I guess you’re right. Ron I am very proud of you too,” said Molly, smiling. “You OWE me,” whispered Ginny to Ron. He rolled his eyes. Hermione had been talking with several of the guests but she had a sad look in her eyes. After a couple of hours of visiting with the guests, they went back to their table and visited with the other students. There were plenty of pats on the back and hugs. Of course, by then they were hungry again. So they all were munching on the goodies. Harry quietly took Hermione aside. “Hermione, didn’t your parents get invited tonight?” asked Harry. “Dumbledore told me that they couldn’t come tonight,” said Hermione. “I’m sorry. I know they would have been very proud of you, tonight. They ARE proud of you. I just know it,” said Harry, as he patted her shoulder. “Thanks, Harry. Yes I’m sure they are. I just miss them, especially tonight,” she said. “Don’t be sad, ok?” “Ok,” said Hermione, smiling. Since Harry had taken the time to try to cheer her up, she felt a lot better. He did care about her. All the students took advantage of the celebration and were up until the wee hours. In the early hours of morning, before anyone had went to sleep, Harry took Ginny for a walk. They walked all over the castle, just enjoying each other’s company. They knew there were only a few days left before summer break. Dumbledore had told him that he would be going back to the Dursley’s, if only for a little while. It could be a few weeks, an eternity for him and Ginny. He needed to spend as much time with her as he could. They were gone for a couple of hours, but the whole time they made sure that they were within the public eye. Colin Creevey decided to take some more party pictures. That’s when Hermione realized that Harry and Ginny had been gone for a very long time. She used the pictures as an excuse to go looking for them. Since she had no idea where they went, she spent a good hour searching. She had made it down to the dungeon area. She wandered in farther than she ever had before. She was about to turn back when she spotted a rat. There was something shining on it’s paw. She wanted to make sure it wasn’t just a trick of light, so decided to investigate. She followed it for a few minutes. She suspected that it might be Wormtail. She knew she should have went for help, but she wanted to make sure first. It was early morning but the corridors were dimly lit, it felt like night. She had just decided that it was too dangerous and was turning back when a cold metal hand grabbed her throat. In the meantime, Harry and Ginny arrived back at the Common Room. Ron was sprawled out asleep on the sofa, before the fire. Harry threw a blanket on him and left him there. Harry kissed Ginny goodnight and they both went up to their dorms. Ron tried to turn over and woke up. Crookshanks was sitting up on his chest. Ron was too tired to bother with him and pushed him off. Crookshanks was scratching his leg. Ron started to kick him, but stopped himself. Crookshanks walked towards the portrait door, bushing his tail, then back to Ron. In Ron’s grogginess, it took a while before Ron decided that Crookshanks was trying to tell him something. “Is something wrong?” asked Ron. Crookshanks purred and rubbed his leg, then walked towards the portrait door again. Fully awake now, Ron decided to follow him. Crookshanks made it very clear that he wanted to be followed. * * * * Wormtail was standing behind her with his silver hand upon her throat. He had pressed just hard enough to cause a small cut that was bleeding. He was whispering in her ear. His spit had splattered against her ear and neck as he spoke. “So! Little Hermione Granger, all grown up. Still putting your nose where it doesn’t belong. You should know better by now,” he hissed in her ear. “Too bad you wasted all your time with Longbottom. Even I could see that relationship was doomed. You would have been better off with Ron. Yes, I know all about your little love lives.” “Ron has grown up too. He spent a lot of time with some real women. No time for a serious little bookworm like you, too bad.” “Ahhhh, but you’ve got your eyes set on the Potter boy now, don’t you? He’s grown up too, but he’s in love with another girl. Yes, little Ginny Weasley. I wouldn’t worry about that, their days are numbered,” said Wormtail. “You’ve always been a little too smart for your own good. I would like to take the time to venture where Ron never ventured, but alas time is running out,” he said, as he stroked the front of her with his other hand. Hermione shuddered. “I’m not alone,” Hermione said, trembling. She saw Crookshanks from the corner of her eye. “Help is coming.” “You are lying. It is only you and I... Maybe I will take the time to... venture.” He stopped. He felt something poke him in his back. “Get off her! Now!” said Ron, with his wand pressed against Wormtail’s back. Wormtail let go of Hermione and slowly backed away. Hermione collapsed to the floor, trembling, although still fully conscious. She pulled out her wand and aimed it at Wormtail, but it was shaking so bad that any spell she tried would have probably missed. “Now Ron, you wouldn’t want to start trouble. It’s your old friend, Scabbers. Didn’t I comfort you when you were frightened? Wasn’t I faithful to you?” whined Wormtail. “Faithful? You don’t know the meaning of the word,” said Ron. Wormtail’s eyes were searching the corridor for some way of escape. Ron cast a disarming charm, stepped forward and took Wormtail’s wand. As he was about to cast a Tie and Binding spell, Ron’s foot connected with Hermione’s and he stumbled just enough to give Wormtail enough time to transform back into a rat. Ron and Hermione both had their wands directed upon him. He didn’t dare move. They all stayed in place for a few moments. It had taken Ron every bit of will to control himself after he saw Scabbers touching Hermione. He needed to get her out of here. Ron decided he would send Hermione for help. With his wand still aimed, he reached down to give Hermione a lift up. At that moment, Scabbers moved. Crookshanks saw the movement and pounced on Scabbers. Within a second, Crookshanks had Scabbers’ upper body in his mouth. He crunched down. Blood squirted in all directions. Scabbers other half fell to the floor. “Ewwwww!” said Ron, as Crookshanks began to chew, then swallowed. Hermione turned white, then vomited. The other half of Scabbers was still twitching and became covered in the vomit. This made her retch all the more. Ron gave her a moment to compose herself, then he pulled her close and held her. She was still white and trembling. He wiped her tears, then helped her walk down to the first crossing corridor out of sight of the mess. He pulled her close and held her. “You’ll be ok. You just need to give yourself time to calm down,” he said as he rubbed her back. Ron’s emotions were raging. After the encounter with Wormtail and now being so close to Hermione. He could feel her heart beating against his chest. Hermione’s arms felt so good around him. Her total dependence on him at the moment, brought back many of the feelings he had always had for her. He would have kissed her, but he remembered that she just threw up. It was not good timing. He held her tight until her legs stopped trembling. He walked along with her with his arm around her shoulder until they got to Gryffindor Tower. “Are you ok now?” asked Ron, gently. “Yes. I think so,” said Hermione. “Ok. You go to Professor McGonagal to get Dumbledore and I’ll go get Harry,” said Ron. Ron rushed up to his dorm and woke Harry. “You’re not going to believe it! Wormtail’s dead! Crookshanks ATE him,” said Ron. “Ewwwwww!” said Harry. “I got to go explain all this to Dumbledore. You coming?” asked Ron. “Yep. Let me find my slippers,” said Harry. Professor McGonagal, dressed in housecoat and slippers, was waiting for them when they arrived in the Common Room. She took them to the entrance to the Headmaster’s office. They waited outside until she arrived back. Professor Dumbledore was fully dressed in one of his beautiful robes, entirely awake. They all sat before him in cushy chairs. Hermione began telling what had happened until Ron had arrived. Then Ron explained about Crookshanks waking him, then finished the whole story. “Would you let Lupin know as soon as possible? I think he deserves to know right away,” said Harry. “Of course,” said Dumbledore. “I think that we should keep Peter’s death a secret for now. I will inform Remus, but to the public, I think it should be kept secret until I can sort this all out,” he added. “Miss Granger, I want you to go to the hospital wing. No excuses. I think you have had enough to be going on with, for one night,” said Dumbledore. * * * * |
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