|
A Summer at Hogwarts. | ||||
|
Category: Post-OotP Characters:All, All, Harry/Ginny Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, General Warnings: None Rating: G Reviews: 3 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 since 2005 *** A sequel to "Storm." Now Harry and the gang are at Hogwarts for the summer. Safe, right...? Wrong! Hitcount: Story Total: 2715 |
|
|||
|
Disclaimer: This is a continuation of “The Eye of the Storm.” You may wish to read it first, in order to enjoy the whole story. ------- Prologue The last week of Harry’s life had been one of the most memorable in his mind to date. It had been just about a month since Sirius fell through the veil at the Department of Mysteries. In the last week, he had left the Dursleys, gained all of Sirius’s estate, including Grimmuald Place and Buckbeak, only to lose it when Voldemort himself attacked. Percy Weasley, Ron’s older brother, had become a Deatheater, and led his companion’s right to the heart of the Order of the Phoenix. He had learned of a dark secret haunting his best friend, Ron. So many things, so very many things, had touched his life yet again. And then there was Ginny. Harry had found love in Ginny Weasley, and with it, he had learned of the greatest weapon he had in his battle against Voldemort. Now, with the Burrow and Grimmuald Place in ruins, and the Dursleys unwilling to house him, the Weasley family, along with Harry and his best friends, would be spending the rest of the long summer at Hogwarts. Chapter 1 Harry stood in the ruined sitting room of Grimmuald Place for what could be the last time for a long time. He stared at the walls, burned and blackened from the battle that took place mere hours ago. They would be leaving in less than an hour to go to Hogwarts, and though Harry had always thought that Hogwarts was his home, it would be bittersweet. This was his link to Sirius, and though Dumbledore had promised to repair the damage done, hit hurt to leave. He set his trunk down by the door, placing Hedwig’s cage on top of it. Hedwig hooted softly, her large eyes shining in the darkness. “Packed, Harry?” Ginny asked as she came down the dark stairs, dragging her trunk. Lily, the cat that Harry had given her, followed her down the stairs carrying a sock in her mouth. Ginny smiled, taking the sock from her pretty calico. “Well thank you,” she said, smiling as she placed the now-damp sock in her pocket, but then she seemed to know Harry’s thoughts. “The house will be fixed soon, Harry. Don’t worry.” “I know,” he said as he lifted her trunk, carrying it to the door for her. “It’s just that I just got it, and almost lost it.” She looked at him for a moment. “You know, I didn’t know Sirius very well. But I miss him too. He did so much for you, and he loved you. You’ll see him again, someday.” She grasped his hand, a quiet understanding falling into his heart. He would see Sirius again. He was sure of it. His heart felt warmed by this, even though he didn’t know how or when. Ron came down the stairs next, hauling his trunk down to the door, along with the cage containing Pig, his small hyperactive owl. “Oh, stuff a sock in it,” he said as Pig hooted, flying about his cage happily. “I swear, that owl has problems,” he mumbled to Harry, but it was clear by the lopsided grin on Ron’s face, which no matter how much the little owl bugged him, Ron still liked it. “Anyone know how we’re getting to the school?” he asked. “Not yet,” Harry answered, and Ginny shook her head. “No clue,” she added. At this moment Mr. and Mrs. Weasley came down from their room, levitating their trunks down to meet the others. “Professor Dumbledore well be back soon, and then we’ll find out,” Mr. Weasley said. Harry looked at Mrs. Weasley. Her eyes were red and bloodshot, and her nose red. She had obviously been crying. The shock of Percy’s betrayal had shaken them all. Hermione came down next, Crookshanks squirming madly under her arm. “Could I get some help, my trunk is a bit heavy,” she asked. Ron quickly ran up the stairs, and in after a few minutes, they could all hear Ron grunting as he trudged down the staircase with the trunk. “Really, it’s not that bad,” he puffed, wheezing from the effort of getting down the stairs without hurting himself. “Thank you,” Hermione said standing on her tip toes to give Ron a peck on the cheek. As Ron flopped down on the floor to catch his breath, a thought came to Harry. “Hermione, have you spoken to your parents, are you coming with us?” Her face clouded. “I’m not sure. Professor Dumbledore said he would speak to them. I’m not sure where I’ll be going.” She released Crookshanks, who trotted over to Lily. They soon had a game of “attack the dust bunnies” going, the group enjoying a rare laugh as Crookshanks got his head stuck beneath a large bureau. Soon Lupin, Moody and Tonks returned, with Dumbledore in tow. Harry noticed that everyone looked tired. It was now early in the morning, and no one had slept for quite a long time. Dumbledore took a deep breath, looking at each of them. “Now, we have much to talk about.” He looked at Mr. Weasley. “I assume that the twins have returned to their apartment?” Mr. Weasley nodded. “Well then. Ms. Granger, I have spoken to your parents, and they agree that you may go to Hogwarts for the remainder of the summer. They will be coming for a visit very soon.” Hermione smiled, and Ron looked relieved. The pair, or rather Ron, had just realized that they indeed loved each other. Ron, who had been racked with visions and premonitions, had averted Hermione’s kidnapping, and now wanted to spend as much time at her side as possible. “Second,” Dumbledore continued, “is the matter of Buckbeak. I have spoken to the Ministry, and we have cleared his name. He is a free hippogriff, and no longer needs to hide. I have spoken to Hagrid, and though Buckbeak will belong to Harry, Hagrid has agreed to board him.” Harry smiled. He knew how much Hagrid missed having Buckbeak, and how much he would enjoy having him back. There was a silence for a moment, and then Ron spoke up, his face perplexed. “Headmaster, how are we getting to the school?” Dumbledore’s eyes sparkled behind his half moon glasses, a small smile gracing his lips. “Why, the Hogwarts Express, of course.” Chapter 2 The group stared for a moment. “The train?” Harry mumbled, his mind whirling with excitement. Since his very first year at Hogwarts, the long train ride to the school had been one of his favorite things. His least favorite thing was the long train ride back from the school. Dumbledore nodded. “It seems the easiest way to get all of you, and a hippogriff, to the school. I have arranged a special trip, and have arranged to have Kings Cross conveniently empty. Mr. Moody, would you please?” Moody limped forward, and with a quick whip of his wand, levitated all of their belongings out the door. He glanced around to see in anyone was hiding in the darkness, and with a loud crack, disapparrated, along with all of their belongings. “Now the rest of you will need to walk to the station-” Harry’s eyes narrowed for a moment. “Headmaster, what about Buckbeak?” He could just imagine walking around the streets with a large hippogriff, causing much of a stir. “Ah, yes, I almost forgot. Ah, Miss Tonks, would you mind going for a little flight? It’s only to the station,” he added as he saw Tonks’ eyes grow wide, ” to fly all the way to Hogwarts would be a bit tiring for him.” Tonks nodded her lips tight. It seemed that she may have been a bit nervous. Ginny, seeing her plight, offered to go upstairs with Tonks in order to get them a little more aquatinted. A few minutes later Tonks came down, with Ginny leading Buckbeak. Harry watched the hippogriff for a moment, his steely eyes, the seamless way that his coat flowed from feather to shining hair. As he watched, Buckbeak nuzzled Ginny’s back, for she had been looking after him and he seemed to trust her. Ginny looked out the door, into the darkness of the night. “All clear,” she said. Buckbeak eyed Tonks, flexing his great wings in an almost menacing way, and then nudged Ginny again, as if to say “I’d rather have you ride.” Tonks too seemed apprehensive about the ride. “Oh, she’ll be fine,” Ginny added, and after a tense moment, Buckbeak bowed to Tonks, kneeling go that she could mount. She climbed on, and with a great whoosh of wind they were off. Tonks gave a started yelp, holding on tight and closing her eyes. The group was quiet until they could no longer hear the great beating of Buckbeak’s wings. “As for the rest of you,” Dumbledore added, drawing their attention again. “We need to have you split up into groups. Please stay together. I will meet you at the school.” He looked at each of them in turn, and then with a whirl of robes, disappeared into the darkness outside. “All right, all of you, it’s a cool night. Coats on, and eyes peeled. We must still stay alert,” Mr. Weasley announced. Everyone pulled their jackets tighter around themselves, eyeing the darkness outside. They didn’t have a clue what could happen. Somewhere in the night, Voldemort and his Deatheaters were gathered, licking their wounds and probably assessing their next move. They would have to be careful. Lupin stepped forward. “Harry, you’ll be with me,” he said, his young face tired and stressed. Ginny stepped forward, grasping Harry’s hand. “Sir, may I come with him?” Lupin glanced to her parents. Mrs. Weasley, still numb from the shock of the night, said nothing, but Mr. Weasley nodded. “All right,” Lupin said. “Ron,” Mr. Weasley said in a tired voice, “you and Hermione will be with us.” He ushered his wife to her feet. She seemed to follow along, her eyes dull. They went to the door, pausing only long enough for Hermione to grab Crookshanks. Soon, they too had disappeared into the darkness. Lupin drew a long breath, and then turned to the remaining pair. “Time to go now, Harry,” he said. Harry looked around himself, at the ruined remains of the house. No, not just the house. This is my house, thought Harry. He then felt something against his shins. He looked down and saw Lily rubbing happily against his leg, mewing softly. Ginny gave his hand a tight squeeze, and then they too ventured out into the darkness. He turned around to see Grimmuald Place shrink into nothingness, the muggle homes next to it slipping into its space seamlessly. “This way,” Lupin said quietly, ushering them into the darkness leading to Kings Cross. “It will take a while, so pace yourselves.” They walked in silence, with Lily trotting happily behind them, who stopped only to sniff the occasional rubbish bin. It seemed to Harry that they walked for an hour before the saw anyone. The crossed a street, and in the dim light of a street light, Harry saw a man, dressed in muggle clothes, but with a midnight blue cloak over the top of his tattered tee shirt. He nodded at Lupin, and then stepped into the darkness. Harry thought he heard a faint pop as they continued down the street. A half dozen blocks later, he again saw a man, this time dressed in muggle clothes, with a hat obscuring his face, but his boots were shining in the dim light. As they passed, Harry heard Ginny start to say something, but she stopped as the man smiled at her. Harry looked back in time to catch a wink from the man, glimpsing red hair under his hat. They continued their trek for what seemed to Harry to be an eternity. About 3 blocks from Kings Cross, with the faintest bit of pale light beginning to show on the horizon, the met up with another man. Harry clearly saw his face this time. It was one of the twins. Lupin spoke in whispered voices with him, and after a moment he turned to leave. “All right, Ginny?” he asked, glancing at his little sister. “Yeah, Fred,” she said, holding Harrys hand tightly. She smiled at her brother, and with a curt nod, he dissapparated. “I will never be able to tell those two apart, you know,” Harry said to Ginny. She laughed faintly. They reached platform 9 3/4 shortly before the sun rose. The entire station was deserted, which Harry found a bit eerie. They stepped through the threshold, but the train wasn’t there yet. They were greeted by Tonks and Buckbeak. Tonks stood next to the great beast, her hair windswept and her eyes wide. “Good ride?” Lupin asked cordially. Tonks merely nodded, she seemed shocked. Ron and his group appeared next, stepping through the gate. “Everyone make it?” Mr. Weasley asked, gently pulling his dazed wife. “How did we get here before you?” Harry asked. “We had to take a small detour. Muggle authorities were padding about,” he said, after leading Mrs. Weasley to a bench. They spoke quietly for a moment or two, until their ears were greeted by a most familiar sound. The great scarlet train, The Hogwarts Express, pulled into the station, gleaming brightly. It was shorter than usual, with only a few cars on it, and a rather odd looking car where the caboose usually was. It looked to be a cage, much like the carnival or zoo trains Harry had seen in muggle children’s books, and Harry figured that would be where Buckbeak would be going. After a moment, with smoke billowing into the air, a man Harry had never seen before appeared. “All aboard the Hogwarts Express Special!” Chapter 3 The plump man stepped down onto the platform, his round face smiling. “Best be heading out soon,” he said, “we’re not to lollygag.” There was a clunk behind the group, and they all turned to see Moody, his taloned peg leg tapping rather impatiently. “Load your things up, and I’ll do a perimeter check,” he said. “And get a move on,” he added when the group hadn’t moved yet. Slowly everyone placed there trunks and things on the train, then went back to the platform to say their good-byes. Moody paced, eyeing every dark corner suspiciously, his bright blue eye moving as it searched everywhere. Mr. Weasley found a quiet car of the train, and now sat with his wife. Harry could see them gazing out of one of the windows. As Ron and Hermione went to find their seats, he watched as Tonks and Lupin tried, somewhat in vain, to coax Buckbeak into his carriage. After much pushing and pulling, Ginny finally took pity of the struggling pair and talked him into walking in freely. “Don’t you want to see Hagrid?” she asked. “You know, he really misses you.” Buckbeak pawed the ground, intently studying the train carriage. Finally he stepped in, huffing impatiently until the train whistle blew. “I’ve got to do one thing,” Harry said as Ginny moved to find them a seat. “I’ll be right there.” Harry had been almost dreading this moment since he heard that they would be leaving. Rebus Lupin was the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Harry had ever had, and a good friend to boot. Though he had only spent a little while with Lupin this summer, he felt as though the was loosing touch with family. He opened his mouth to say his farewell, but found that his words had left him. Lupin placed a warm hand on his shoulder. “I’ll be seeing you, Harry,” he said, and gave him a fatherly smile. “Now go sit with that fiery red-head of yours,” he added with a lopsided grin. “You know, you have your fathers taste.” Harry laughed. “Bye, and thanks,” he said, stepping onto the train. He felt the train begin to move under his feet. As he turned to wave at his friends, Moody, Tonks and Lupin, Mad Eye spoke. “You’ll be seeing us again, Potter. Keep out of trouble, and quit carrying your wand in your back pocket! “ Harry watched as Tonks ran to wave them off and tripped, colliding into Lupin. They sat for a moment, rubbing heads before Lupin stood and offered her a hand. He stood there until he could no longer see them, and then went to find his seat. Harry found the train oddly quiet. He was used to it carrying hundreds of students, and it felt strange to Harry to not hear the low rumble of distant conversation. He felt the train sway slightly as it gathered speed. He found Ginny with Ron and Hermione, talking quietly as Crookshanks and Lily played happily. “Hey, what you thinking?” Ginny asked as Harry flopped down next to the fuzzy felines. “Not much,” he said, gazing out of the window, watching as the scenery passed quickly. “I was just thinking that I’ve always wanted to spend a summer at Hogwarts, and now I finally get to.” “Yeah. I wonder if any of the teachers spend holiday there,” Ron added, a lopsided grin stretching across his lips. ”Can’t you just see Snape.....erg....sunbathing.” He made an odd face, sticking his tongue out. “Never mind, I don’t need that image.” They laughed, talking about what their teachers might be doing. After picturing Professor Flitwick with large pink floaties and Bermuda shorts, Ginny decided it was time for a nap, and curled up with her head in Harry’s lap. “You know, I think she’s got an idea,” Harry added, yawning widely. In a few moments, he was out, dreaming happily. He saw Ginny standing at the door in the Department of Mysteries, “We know the secret,” she said, and then grasped his hand and turned the knob, a bright golden light flooded Harry’s eyes, and a warmth filled his being. He awoke, with the bright mid-morning sun streaming through the windows. Ginny was still sleeping, peacefully snoozing with her hair draped across her pretty face. Harry listened to the rhythmic clatter of the train, felt the gentle sway as it traveled. Harry looked over at his two best friends, figuring that Ron and Hermione would be sleeping, but found that Ron was awake. He looked tired. “Didn’t you sleep?” Harry asked quietly. Ron shook his head slowly. “I... I don’t like sleeping much anymore,” he said softly. Harry could understand why. Ron’s dreams had sometimes been frightening visions. He had even seen the attach from Voldemort that they had just barely survived 12 hours ago. They sat in subdued quiet, listening to the train rattle down the tracks. Life’s gotten complicated, Harry thought. It seemed only a few days ago that they had met each other, just 11 years old. A few minutes later, Mr. Weasley walked past, checking on them. “We’re almost half way there. Did you have a good rest?” he asked quietly. Ron’s face grew dark, but he gave a small nod. “Yeah,” Harry answered. His stomach gave a loud growl, causing Lily and Crookshanks to stir. Mr. Weasley laughed quietly. “Gertrude will be by in a few minutes, be sure to eat something.” With a small yawn, he walked off, stretching. Gertrude, as it turned out, was the name of the woman that ran the food trolley. “Hungry, dears?” she said, a smile on her plump face. The others stirred, the smell of Cauldron Cakes waking them. “Starving,” Harry said, his stomach giving another growl. As Harry opened his first cake, a question came to his mind. “Ma’am, we didn’t bother you by needing a special trip, did we?” She smiled again. “No, dear. John, my husband, he’s the conductor you know; well we have been running this train for... well, many years. We met on this very train years ago as students. We live to travel.” They spoke for a while, and then Gertrude went back to sit with her husband. They played a few games of Exploding Snap, much to Lily’s displeasure. She finally took refuge under the seat until they game was over. Time seemed to fly, and soon they could see the distant mountains that made up Hogwarts. As they pulled into the Hogsmeade Station, they could see Hogwarts in the distance, its majestic walls and towers beaming in the bright sunshine. Welcome home, Harry thought brightly. Chapter 4 They stepped off of the train into the bright sunshine. It was a beautiful day, the sun shined, making everything sparkle like jewels. The air was clear, and every leaf on the nearby trees shifted slightly in the light breeze. Suddenly a shadow fell over them. “Yeh made it!” As they turned around, they were greeted by the towering mountain that made up Hagrid. He gathered all four of them into one great hug, and Harry saw stars swimming in front of his eyes. “Hagrid,” Harry croaked, “we need to breath. Hagrid...please.” After one more monstrous squeeze, Hagrid finally let them go. They all staggered, trying to regain their footing. As they looked into Hagrid’s bearish face, they saw that his big friendly eyes were on the verge of tears. Hagrid gave one big blow into his hanky, and then looked down at the group before him. “I heard what happened at... the house.” His face darkened behind his big bushy beard. “I’m sorry Harry, I’m sorry to all of yeh.” He huffed heavily, and then his face brightened again. “I’m here to take yeh to the school,” he said. His big eyes then fell on the caboose of the train as Buckbeak was pacing majestically, his head bobbing anxiously. “Oh Beaky!” He ran to the caboose, great tears again falling down his face. He threw the door open, bowing deeply to Buckbeak. The great beast bowed back to him, stepping close and laying his head in Hagrid’s hand. Harry knew that it would be a tearful reunion. Hagrid had been so distraught when Lucious Malfoy had “persuaded” the Ministry to execute Buckbeak after his son’s stupidity had led to an injury three years ago. Harry and the group turned to look at the town around them until Hagrid again joined them with Buckbeak. Hogsmeade was shiny and bright today. Harry could see the Three Broomsticks not far from them, Madame Rosemerta, its innkeeper, was sweeping the threshold. Harry could also see the Hog’s Head, the town’s other, less savory counterpart. Harry thought of the last time he was there, and how it smelled so much of goat. A question, he thought for a moment, that I don’t even want to find out the answer. Finally his eyes fell on the Shrieking Shack, a small building that Harry had once thought of as a haunted house. He had then learned that his own father, along with Professor Lupin, the traitor Peter Pettigrew, and Sirius had used it as students. He felt a small pang of hurt at the thought of Sirius and what Wormtail had helped take from Harry. Finally, Hagrid rejoined the group, mopping great tears from his hairy face, snuffling loudly. “This way,” he said, happily patting the beautiful hippogriff. After a short walk, they were lead to a trio of not-so-horseless carriages. The group stopped, looking to Harry for a moment. Last year they had studied Thestrals with Hagrid. Only those who had seen someone die could see them, and now Harry had seen two deaths. First was Cedric at the hands of Voldemort and Wormtail, and second had been Sirius. Harry stroked the strong neck of the Thestral absently, his mind again drifting back in time to last year. A hand touched his shoulder gently, and Harry turned. He found himself looking into the deep chocolate eyes of Ginny. She smiled, clasping his hand tight. Harry smiled a small smile, and then stepped into the carriage. The others followed suit, and as Ginny settled down next to him, Harry caught a glimpse of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stepping into the carriage behind them. As the carriage began its swaying trek up to the school, the group fell into an unsettled quiet. Their eyes fell to the windows, watching the scenery as it passed. “It’s so beautiful,” Ginny said quietly. Harry looked and saw the bright leaves shimmering in the sunshine. He saw how the sky was almost unnaturally blue, and that beautiful songbirds flew about, tending to their young. Life, he thought. A smile fell on his lips. Even though the past had been so hard to overcome lately, he knew that life would carry on, and he would, could carry on with it. They soon fell back into happy conversation, planning what the next few weeks could hold. “I want to swim in the lake,” offered Ginny, a wide smile on her lips. “Fancy a small game of Quidditch?” Ron asked. “Right on! We can even use the pitch this time!” Harry piped up. And so the conversation went, of plans ranging from Hermione visiting the Library (no surprise there) to all of the great food that they would eat. From if Professor McGonagall ever left the grounds, to the food. From who the new DADA teacher would be, to of course, the food. Finally they arrived at the grounds, the windows twinkling in the sunshine, the turrets shooting high into the bright blue sky. And standing at the steps of the castle, arms spread wide, was Professor Dumbledore. “Welcome. Please come in,” he said, his eyes sparkling merrily. Chapter 5 A short time later, after taking their jackets off and taking them up to Gryffindor Tower with their pets and the rest of their things, they decided to take a short walk around the grounds. They found the Weasleys with Dumbledore, talking quietly in the entry hall. “There’ll be a feast... well, a small one,” Dumbledore said with a smile, “early this evening. You may wander the grounds as you desire for a few hours.” As they all turned back to their conversation, Harry chanced a glance at Mrs. Weasley. Her eyes no longer carried the dead, shocked look that they had. She looked about at the pictures on the walls, tightly holding her husbands’ hand with one hand, and waving at some of the familiar portraits with the other. The group stepped out into the warm summer air. Ron and Ginny had also looked closely at their mother. “She seemed a bit better,” Ginny said, glancing over her shoulder as the great oak doors closed behind them. “I think coming back here might be good for her,” Ron nodded in agreement. They first sat beneath their favorite tree by the lake, basking in the warm sunshine and dozing lightly as the giant squid waved a lazy tentacle at them. They sat with their feet in the lake, splashing and playing happily. They listened to the distant calls from the Forbidden Forest and wondered for a while what Grawp was doing. After trekking about the grounds for a while, they decided to go to Hagrid’s hut as the sun prepared to set. They trooped over to his hut, barefoot and happy. Buckbeak was in the front paddock, standing boldly in the sunshine. He had an almost relieved look on his birdlike face. Harry realized that this was probably the first time that Buckbeak had been out in the open, enjoying the sunshine, since before he went into exile with Sirius. “’E sure is lovin’ the sunshine,” Hagrid said quietly as he joined the group. He smiled at the hippogriff, which tossed his mighty head back and began to gallop around the paddock. They stood, quietly and peacefully watching the hippogriff until just after the sun sat, leaving the sky a bright orange. “We best be headin’ back for that dinner now,” Hagrid said. The group nodded, their stomachs growling loudly. After pausing only long enough to put their shoes back on, then began the walk back to the castle. As the night began to creep its way across the sky, Hagrid spoke happily for Buckbeak, sounding like a proud parent being reunited with an adopted child. Harry smiled; glad to see his friend so happy. Ginny told him of her new pet, though Hagrid seemed to think that a cat would be better if it could breathe fire or were poisonous. All in all, Hagrid was pleased to see Ginny so excited. Soon they found themselves at the entrance to the Great Hall, where Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sat with Dumbledore, and to no ones surprise, a slightly tanned Professor McGonagall. No other teachers were present, and Harry was very happy not to have to see Snape. The long tables that were normally there had been replaced with two smallish tables, leaving the Hall looking overly large, but grand none the less. The sat down, their stomachs growling loudly, and looked up at their Headmaster. “Welcome, and I hope you all have a good remainder of summer here,” Dumbledore said. “Please make yourselves at home.” After a moment, the gold plates before them filled with food. There were puddings and tarts, sweet smelling and mouthwatering. Two large turkeys appeared, along side honey baked hams and freshly baked bread. Roast potatoes and steaming plates of vegetables appeared. Great trays of the most wonderful food were everywhere. Everyone grabbed their food and happily filled their mouths with it. Minutes passed, with only content chewing and the occasional request to pass a tray breaking the silence. Suddenly a strange sound punctuated the silence. The clatter of hooves fell over the hall. Everyone tensely looked up, and their eyes befell a palomino centaur with startling blue eyes. “Hello, Firenze,” offered Dumbledore. “Would you like to join us? I’m sure we could find something for you.” The centaur shook his head. “Thank you, but no. I am only here to speak with one of the young ones.” Firenze trotted slowly over to the table, stopping as he reached- to everyone’s surprise- Ron. With a bit of trepidation, Ron looked up into the centaurs amazing eyes. “I see that you have acquired a rare talent. There are very few real Seers, though we centaurs have our own ways of divining the future.” Ron’s eyes widened and after taking one great swallow, he was able to speak. “Yes, sir. How-?” Firenze pawed the floor, his hooves clattering loudly throughout the hall. “I have talents of my own. Your visions contain power. A rare and sacred power. You have done well with them, young one.” He bowed his head slightly. “You are a true Seer, and may be able to tip the balance, when the time comes. Use your talents well.” With that, he nodded again, and trotted out of the hall. The group remained silent for a moment before diving into much conversation. It wasn’t often that a wizard was complimented by a centaur. In fact, even hours later, as they all crawled sleepily into their beds, stomachs full and hearts content, Ron’s ears remained rosy, warmed by the compliment. Chapter 6 The next two days were a buzz of wild energy. The group spent their mornings lazily trotting down to the Hall for breakfast, sneaking about the grounds (dodging Argus Filch and his hairy companion) and convincing Hermione that there were much better things to do than sit around the library. The Mr. Weasley went to work every morning by Floo, and Mrs. Weasley found ways to occupy herself helping the house elves out. The wizarding world around them was waging a war, but here…. Here was an oasis. On the morning of the third day, as they sat eating a nice breakfast, a tawny owl flopped down in front of Hermione, dipping its beak gratefully into a goblet of pumpkin juice as she removed it burden. Hermione squealed happily as she read the letter. “Ooo! My parents are coming today!! Mum says they will be here this afternoon!” “Really?” Mrs. Weasley smiled. “We’ll be sure to have a fine dinner tonight. With what happened…” Her voice trailed off. Hermione had been a key piece of bait in a plan that was foiled only a few scarce weeks ago. It had been a hard choice for sure for Hermione’s parents to let her come to Hogwarts for the summer. But they knew it would be a safe place for her, for all of them. After taking a short… well relatively short trip to the library, (only 3 ˝ hours!) to appease Hermione, the group decided on a picnic lunch by the lake. The afternoon sun sat brightly in the sky, the still air not so much as rippling the water. It was a glorious afternoon. They sat happily by the lake, dipping their feet in the water… at least until Ginny pushed Ron headlong into the lake. After that it was water wars. They splashed around, the squid tickling their ankles now and again. Lily and Crookshanks slept the day away in the shade. Nothing could have After a bit though, Harry stepped out of the lake, flopping down on the grass. Ginny seemed to notice, following him to shore. She sat, her modest swimsuit shining a pale blue to contrast her scarlet hair. “Sickle for your thoughts?” she offered, eying his somber face closely. He sighed, watching Ron and Hermione start a game of volleyball against the squid. “It just doesn’t seen right.” Ginny took his hand gently. “It is okay to have fun, Harry. Even if the world outside falls apart, we need to take time to have fun. It’s the only thing that keeps people sane.” Harry gazed at her. “But I feel so useless. Voldemort is out there, doing evil. And here I am, having a lazy afternoon and-” Her chocolate eyes narrowed. “Mr. Potter! First off, don’t you even start feeling useless. Second, when the time does come that we are needed, WE will be there. And third,” she reached behind her, grabbing something, “I will make sure you have fun, if it’s the last thing I do!” Suddenly, she whipped out a towel, snapping it at him, just grazing his backside. “Ginny Weasley! This means war!” Harry yelled happily, grabbing his own towel and wielding it dangerously. They ran about snapping towels playfully until a pair of voices caught his attention. “Oh come on! Don’t let her do that to you!” “Yeah! You can get her better than that!” They wheeled around to find the Weasley twins, Fred and George, smiling widely back at them. Ginny squealed happily, running to give them each a big hug. “What are you doing here?” Ron asked, shaking hands with Fred. “Do we really need a reason to come and visit our dear sister?” Fred said, smiling at Ginny. Ron grimaced. “Oh and you too…” George added with wicked smile on his face. “No, really bro. We just wanted to come see you.” “Both of you.” “Not only that, Dad wanted us to check on Mum.” “Yeah. He says that she’s been kind of down,” Fred added. “That,” George said, “and we heard you were out here having lunch!” They spent the afternoon talking and playing, eating lunch with the twins and more of the water wars. Shortly before 4 o’clock, Hermione’s parents found their way down to the lake. Hermione ran to their sides, hugging them fiercely. “Oh! I’ve missed you so much!” she cried into her mothers’ arms happily. The reunion was a happy one. After a quick overview of their time at Hogwarts so far (mostly what books Hermione had found in the library) they began a tour of the grounds. The Granger’s found the Whomping Willow intriguing, as was the giant squid. They told of the many creatures found in the Forbidden Forest, and of all of the things that could be found there. They wandered happily until dusk, when they decided that it would be best to get cleaned up for dinner in the Great Hall. Chapter 7 As the gang gathered again in the Great Hall, smiles all around, Ginny stopped. She wore a perplexed expression on her face. “Mr. Granger. How can you be seeing the school? I thought muggles couldn’t see the castle.” Hermione smiled widely, her eyes sparkling. “Now then, I‘m glad SOMEONE has read ‘Hogwarts: A History‘!” Ginny blushed lightly as Hermione plowed on. “I had though about that too. So I asked Dumbledore if there was anything that could be done.” Mr. Granger smiled. “It was odd, just as we met Dumbledore, he put…” his eyes flashed mischievously, ”he put a ….spell on us! I never in my life will forget it.” Hermione’s mother smiled as well. “To us, everything has a faint purple hue. It’s really quite beautiful!” “The spell will last until nightfall, “Hermione added. She looked so very happy. She had tried to explain to her parents what the school was like so many times. And now, they could finally see. As the pleasant chatter continued Harry leaned close to Ginny, whispering in her ear. “You’ve read that book?” Ginny blushed again, giggling. “Not on your life, buddy! It’s just that she’s said it so many times before. No apparration and muggles can’t see it. I guess it finally sunk in.” Harry kissed her lightly on the cheek, and was about to ask her something when a startled scream made everyone turn around. “AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGG! ” Nearly-Headless Nick’s head had just floated through the middle of a large serving platter on the table, startling both Mr. and Mrs. Granger. “My apologies, dear madam,” Nick said, floating up until his body hung a few inches from the top of the table. He bowed low, until his head very unceremoniously toppled off, dangling limply from his inch of attached skin. “Please forgive me.” This elicited another screech from Mrs. Granger. As Nick floated away, looking a bit hurt, Harry caught sight of Hermione fighting back a fit of giggles. “Sorry, Mum. I forgot to tell you about the ghosts.” Mrs. Granger scowled at her daughter for a moment, but her face softened as Dumbledore stood at his end of the table. “I know,” he began, “ that you must all be famished from you day’s adventures, so without any more delays…” He waved his hands and the table filled with food. Mr. And Mrs. Granger were awed, having just seen food appear from nowhere. Rod began the long ordeal of filling his plate, which seemed defective to Harry. For every time Ron filled his plate, Harry would swear the food disappeared just as fast. Of course, Ron didn’t seem to care, for it all went into his mouth. The only people that seemed to eat faster than Ron were the twins. As Harry was filling his plate for the second time, he glanced around the table. He noticed that Mrs. Weasley looked depressed. Mr. Weasley had not made it back from work yet. Just then, the doors to the Great Hall burst open, and there stood Mr. Weasley, his face flushed and with a large bunch of the most beautiful flowers that Harry had ever seen. “Molly dear,” he said as he sat beside her, handing her the flowers, “I’m sorry I’m late.” Mrs. Weasley smile, smelling the flowers and kissing him on the lips. Harry noticed that her eyes seemed brighter. Now the happiest ever, but better. Everyone seemed concerned with her lately. She had taken Percy’s betrayal hard. This was the first real sign of life from her in a while. Dinner went well. And after everyone had truly stuffed themselves (well Ron swore that he could eat more, but Harry was sure that most of the food from the table now resided in Ron’s stomach) they said their goodbyes to Hermione’s parents and the twins, and went up to the Common Room. Harry and Ron played Wizards Chess, all while Hermione tried to teach Ginny to knit. (Harry was glad to see that Ginny wasn’t much interested in liberating elves, just knitting a scarf for Harry.) As night began to fall, Ron got up, stretching as he walked to the window, rubbing the scars on his arms absently. Harry felt a small twinge as he yet again recalled the night at the Ministry. Ginny seemed to sense his melancholy and sat next to him, resting her head on his chest. “It’ll all be okay,” she whispered softly. Harry smiled at her, kissing the top of her pretty head. “I know,” he said. Ron sat on the window sill, peering out it intently. “I swear, Hagrid hasn’t left Buckbeak alone since we got here.” “Good,” Ginny answered. She had been a good caregiver for the hippogriff while they had stayed the Grimmuald Place. “They kind of need each other, I think.” “Hey,” Ron said after a moment of quiet. “Check this out!” As they rushed to the window they saw what had caught Ron’s eye. Along the lake’s shore walked Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, hand in hand, just looking out at the moon that hung in the sky. Soon, they stopped walking, and kissed in the moonlight. “ Yuck!” said Ron. “Parents aren’t supposed to kiss!” “Of for heavens sake, be sensible Ronald,” Hermione said, her hands on her hips. “But I’m scarred for life, “he said dramatically, “I think I need a kiss from a beautiful woman to clear my head…” He raised his eyebrows mischievously at Hermione. She bent and kissed him lightly on the lips, then poked him playfully in the ribs. “Better now?” she asked. “Much.” “Good.” She sat next to him, his arm wrapping around her small shoulders. After a moment, Harry had an idea. “Hey, why not go to Hogsmeade tomorrow?” Ginny smiled, nodding happily. “Good idea.” She kissed him lightly. “And I promise, no little café’s.” Harry recalled the disastrous date he had there once, and smiled at Ginny. “I was thinking of something a bit nicer.” “Oh, really, Mr. Potter?” She smiled. “Like what?” “How’s a sunset picnic on a little hill sound?” She smiled again, nuzzling his chest happily. “You’re on.” “How about you two? Hogsmeade trip?” He smiled at Ginny again. “Minus the picnic dinner, of course” Ron smiled widely. “I wouldn’t miss it.” That night, Harrys dreams were filled with their trip to Hogsmeade, beautiful sunsets and dazzling chocolate colored eyes. Chapter 8 Harry awoke the next morning to see the morning sunshine stream in through his dormitory room window. Stretching, he slipped his spectacles onto his nose, and wandered over to the open window. It was truly a glorious morning. The sun was warm on his skin, and the morning breeze lightly lifted his hair. The sky was unmarred by clouds, and everything held a certain jewel-like brightness. Strange, he thought, I never used to stop before to enjoy the morning. He smiled. It kind of adds perspective to the day. He turned as he heard Ron stir. His friend yawned, stretching his long legs. “Morning, mate,” Ron muttered. “I can’t wait for the trip. It’s been ages since we kicked around Hogsmeade. But first… breakfast…” Harry smiled. Ron always thought of food. “Come on.” The pair dressed quickly, though Harry did take the time to find his best shirt, a nice pale green button up that he knew Ginny liked. By the time he had done up his last button, Ron had sworn it was nearly lunch. The found their way to the Hall, having not seen the girls yet. As Ron stuffed his 4th bite of tart into his mouth, he almost choked. Sputtering, he pointed to the entrance of the Hall. There stood Ginny and Hermione. Ginny looked amazing in a pale blue sundress. The material seemed to float in some unseen breeze. Her red hair sat softly on her shoulders. She seemed ethereal, like an angel. Harry was immediately glad that he had took the time to dress well. Hermione had pulled back her hair, and Ron seemed unable to look away from her soft pink skirt and blouse. The girls simply laughed. “That,” Ginny said with a smile that melted Harry’s heart, “is exactly the reaction we were going for.” As they sat down next to the boys, Hermione handed Ron a hanky. “You may want to close your mouth,” she smiled, “before some unwanted breakfast flies in.” Ron’s ears turned red and he sputtered, but he gathered enough of his brain to talk. “You look…” “Amazing,” Harry finished. They ate, talking softly as they planned their day. As they finished breakfast (which was rather fast, due to the fact that Ron seemed to distracted to eat) they planned to meet just outside the castle, next to the lake. “I just need to do one thing,” Harry said as he dashed off. Harry found his way to the kitchens, and after tickling the proper pear, stepped in. There were the elves, bustling about, though not as busy as during the year. Dobby found him in no time. “Harry Potter, sir,” he said, his small face beaming. “What can Dobby do for you?” “I need a picnic lunch,” Harry began. “Just for two. Something nice. Special.” Dobby smiled. “I knows just the thing.” He disappeared, leaving Harry to look about for a moment. The elves seemed happy, smiling and bowing. An extremely small one brought Harry a cup of tea and a small pastry. He had just finished when Dobby reappeared carrying a small covered basket. “Here, Harry Potter. I made up a special dinner for your,” the little elf smiled, “date.” “How did you-?” he began, but the little house elf simply smiled and pushed him towards the door. “Dobby knows. Now go have a good time,” and with that, Harry found himself outside the kitchen. He glanced down to the basket and began to lift the lid up, when Dobby’s voice drifted through the door. “And no peeking!” Shrugging, Harry ran to meet the others. He found them sitting by the lake. Ginny looked stunning, with the sunshine making her cheeks rosy. Ron had changed into a nicer shirt, and he looked to have spend the time to properly brush his hair. The walk to Hogsmeade was filled with giddy energy. As he and Ginny spoke, he happily carried the basket, which he now noticed seemed very light. “What did you bring?” Ginny asked, poking a finger at the basket. “You, “ Harry smiled, “will just have to wait and see.” They reached the town quickly, and quickly filled their afternoon with activity. They wandered from shop to shop, eyeing things in the Quidditch shop (Well not everyone. Hermione was more interested in the book store.) and stopping once at a small flower stand, where the kindly owner gave Ron and Harry flowers to give to Hermione and Ginny. Shortly after 1 o’clock, they decided on lunch at a cozy little restaurant off of the beaten path. It was small, with quiet music playing and with sunshine beaming through it’s bay windows. The owner brought them lunch, and they group soon found themselves full and happy. After lunch, they decided to split up, and to meet at shortly after 8 that evening. Harry had once spent only half of a day with a girl. (Harry shuttered as he though of that disastrous date with Cho.) But he and Ginny talked, laughed and simply enjoyed himself. Harry never once felt awkward. Time flew, and soon it was 6:30. The sun would be setting soon. They stopped at a small pet emporium where Ginny found a toy and treats for Lily. “I truly love that cat. “ She leaned up and kissed him lightly on the lips. “Thank you again.” Harry looked out at the landscape, and saw the perfect hill for their dinner. “Anytime,” he said , taking her hand. “Come this way.” They marched up to the little hill. The sky was a soft orangey-pink, and their view was perfect. Harry set the basket down, and opened it. He was amazed. The basket felt almost empty, but was filled with so many things that Harry was sure that an enlargement charm had been placed on it. First he laid out the soft blanket that sat inside the basket. As he and Ginny sat down on it, Harry began to pull out the most amazing assortment of food he had ever seen. There was a small platter of what looked like barbequed chicken, but the meat was so tender that it seemed to melt in their mouth. There was a tray with two bowls of stew on it, and it was still warm. Potatoes with butter, and warm rolls, and a pair of butterbeers that were still chilled. They ate, talking quietly. “This food is amazing,” Ginny told him. Harry himself was awed by the food. Dobby had truly outdone himself. Finally, Harry pulled out a small plate of chocolate cake, and a bottle of something called Ambrosia’s Elderberry Juice. The sun was barely touching the horizon as Harry opened the bottle. Ginny sipped it, the wind softly shifting her hair. “Oh, Harry! This is amazing!” she said, her eyes shining brightly. Harry sipped it, and soon had the most amazing taste grace his tongue. It was sweet, and bright, his whole body filled with… well, he couldn’t explain it. It was like bottling every good memory he had ever had, and remembering them all at once. It was like heaven. He looked at Ginny, who took a small bite of her cake as the sun gently touched the horizon. As the sky silently shifted to a pale purple, Harry found himself looking at Ginny. An angel, he thought. She looked at him, her deep chocolate eyes drawing him in. Time stopped. The world was theirs alone. They leaned in and kissed, pure happiness and love sending lightning through their bodies. Harry was a glimpse of a future, what he hoped would be their future. He could see her, dressed in pure white, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He knew, at that very moment, what he wanted more than anything in the world. A family. His family. And Ginny in it. As their lips parted, she looked at him. “Did you just- I could have swore I saw-” she blushed. “I saw a-” He looked into her eyes. “Yes, I saw a wedding.” She smiled, relieved that he saw it to. “I love you Ginny,” he said, and he saw her eyes sparkle. As he leaned in to kiss her again, Hermione and Ron came barreling up the hill. Hermione was out of breath, and Ron looked pale, the scars on his arms standing out bright against his skin. Ron’s eyes seemed bright, fearful. “I’ve had another vision.” Chapter 9 Ron’s face was pale, his bright red hair shining like a beacon against his ghostly white face. Harry saw his eyes, bright and wide. He could see something there in those eyes that he had not ever seen before. Unbridled terror. Not just fear, but real terror. “What is it? What did you see, Ron?” Harry asked. His friends young face twisted, his eyes focusing on something Harry himself could not see, something in his inner eye. He was quiet for a moment, his breath ragged. “It’s bad, Harry. Dark… black… I couldn’t see a lot. The castle… Harry we need to see Dumbledore!” Ron practically bolted, his long legs carrying him down the street, heading in the direction of the path back to the school. Ginny quickly gathered the remnants of their picnic and went to follow him. The trio had to almost run to catch up with him. Harry again realized how much taller Ron was than him. Panting, they reached his side, the darkness falling into place around them. “Ron, what is it?” Harry asked, an anxious flutter falling into his stomach. Ron had seen visions before, and they had as of yet not been wrong. Ron’s face, though still carrying the terror they had seen before, seemed determined. As they reached the border of Hogsmeade, Ron finally spoke. “All I know,” he spoke as he again absently rubbed his scarred arms, “is that the school, and all of us are in danger. We have to se the Headmaster. A Darkness is coming to darkness.” A shiver crept down Harrys spine. Whatever Ron had seen was winding its way to their home. As the first stars began to find their places in the night sky, they silently found their way back to Hogwarts. They found Dumbledore in the entrance to the Great Hall, his expression unreadable. It almost seemed as if he was waiting for them. “Sir,” Ron puffed, breathless from the marathon run they had completed in almost running there. “I had another vision, sir.” Dumbledore’s eyes flashed, his face stern. “I know. What have you seen?” Ron’s eyes again focused inward, his face seemed aged, etched with a wisdom that someone of his young age should have to possess. “The castle,” he said, his voice strong, ethereal. “I saw the castle. It was almost dusk. Then there was fire, part of the Great Hall was blown away. And then,” he shivered, “just Darkness. As if the whole castle was swallowed up by the night.” Dumbledore was silent for a moment, then he nodded. “Stay here, all of you. We must alert the school.” Professor McGonagall appeared next to the Headmaster, almost as if she had apperatted there. “Albus,” she said, her tight lipped expression unreadable. “Alert the staff. We will be having a meeting in one half hour. The school is in danger. If Mr. Weasleys’ vision holds true, which it has before, we have until tomorrow night to prepare.” Harry had not remembered that. In all of Ron’s other visions, he had had them no more that 24 hours before they became true. Dumbledore turned to the small group of teens. “Stay here in the Hall.” His eyes fell on Ron. “I will need you to try to recall all that you can from your vision. We need to be prepared.” Ron nodded, then entered the hall, pacing as he focused inward yet again. Dumbledore departed, with his head leaned in close to Professor McGonagall as they whispered urgently to each other. The trio soon joined Ron, Hermione sitting stiffly on the edge of a bench, here eyes watching Ron closely. Ginny stood, arms crossed, her eyes focusing at her feet. She still looked beautiful, but her face was concerned, soft chocolate eyes tense. Harry went to her side, wrapping his arms around her small frame, resting his chin on the top of her head. The group stayed that way, silent, for many minutes. “It’s not right,” came Ginny’s voice from Harry’s arms. She looked up at him, tears silently falling down her lovely cheeks. “They took the Burrow, and then number 12,” her eyes hardened, fierce fire igniting behind the soft brown. “I won’t let them take the school. It’s all we have left. They can’t have it.” Harry looked deep into Ginny’s’ eyes, his deep emerald reflecting in those wide chocolate pools. For a moment, he saw again a flash of the strange vision that they had. Harry knew, with all of his young heart, that in order to reach that place, they would have to face many challenges. Anything that good is worth fighting for, Harry thought. “I know. They won’t take the school.” He kissed her softly on the forehead. Ron stopped his pacing, pausing to look at them. “You seem…” he said, his voice still holding the ethereal quality, “different.” Ginny spoke first. “I think… I think we had a vision of our own.” She blushed, her rose cheeks making her even more fetching. Ron looked intently at them, wisdom in his eyes. “It’s almost like you have a glow around you.” He laughed, a bit of the old Ron showing through. “Must have been some vision.” Harry smiled, in spite of the impending danger heading their way. “Some vision. But worth every moment of it.” Chapter 10 Within moment, all of the remaining staff of Hogwarts appeared in the Great Hall. Firenze, and odd Professor Trelawney were the first to appear. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley came next, followed by Hagrid and finally Filch and the woebegone Mrs. Norris. Professor McGonagall appeared with Dumbledore, and the all took up places at the one remaining table. Firenze stood, his strong equine body shining in the light. Dumbledore waved the youth to the table, his face tense. As they sat, Dumbledore spoke. “Thank all of you for coming. It seems that at last the war has reached our very doorstep.” Wasting no words, he turned his steely gray eyes to Ron. “Mr. Weasley is a Seer.” Professor Trelawney huffed, straightening in her chair, but said nothing. “He has not failed us before, and he has had a vision.” Ron stood, his thin frame tense. Hermione lightly touched his hand, and he looked down to her, drawing strength from her. “I saw the school, just like I told the Headmaster before.” His eyes focused inward again. “The sun was sitting, then there’s fire. Then Darkness. That’s all.” He cocked his head. “No wait. There was more. Sound, I heard a sound. Like wind, but…. Whispers in the wind…” He refocused on Dumbledore. “I’m sorry sir. That’s all.” He sat down quietly. Dumbledore smiled. “You have done well. Thank you.” He turned to the staff. “We must prepare. Hogwarts must not fall.” He looked to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. “I will find a place for the students-” “No,” came a voice. To Harry’s surprise it was Ginny. “This is our only home now. We are needed here. Please let us stay.” Her eyes pleaded with her parents. Ron stood again. “She’s right. We are needed here.” Ron’s parents looked to each other, Mrs. Weasleys eyes tearing up. Silently she nodded. “Alright. I know you need to be here.” Dumbledore looked around the table. Not exactly the army that one would expect on the brink of war. Firenze, a centaur, uninterested in the matters of humans. Professor Trelawney, a frail thin thing, a Seer in her own right, but only on rare occasions. Mostly a fraud. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, whom had already suffered much from Voldemort’s return. Hagrid, though large and able to take care of himself, could not protect the whole school. Filch, a squib, was only good for fighting off evil with a mop or bucket. Professor McGonagall was a formidable witch, and could very well fend for herself. The only person that Harry could really see protect the school was Dumbledore himself, but how could he fight off Darkness? With one final deep breath, Dumbledore spoke. “Go. We must prepare.” As everyone departed, Professor McGonagall came to Harry and his friends. “Go to the common room, and please stay there. We will tell you what you will need to do tomorrow. Now go.” She ushered them out, and they soon found their way to the common room. They sat in silence, staring into the fire, waiting. They watched as Crookshanks and Lily played happily. After a while Harry and Ron had played a quick game of Wizards Chess, and soon Hermione took Harry’s place. Ron had taught her, and though she was still a novice, she was learning fast. Soon though, they tired, and at a little after 2 in the morning, Ron and Hermione had fallen asleep in the common room, curled up in two of the fluffy chairs. Ginny dozed, her small frame leaning against Harry’s. He was tired, but his thoughts seemed too cluttered to sleep. His mind drifted again to the strange vision that they had during their picnic. He remembered also, just weeks ago, when they had faced Lord Voldemort himself in the very heart of the Order. He knew he must tell Ginny what he had learned that night. He slipped gently from beneath her, rushing upstairs and retrieving his invisibility cloak and the Marauder’s Map. What a handy pair of tools his father had left him. Quietly, he kneeled in front of Ginny, watching her as she slept, her chest rising and falling softly. He hated to wake her, but he knew that she would understand. He kissed her softly on the lips, and she stirred, her warm eyes shining in the fire light. “Ginny, I need to talk to you. Would you come with me?” She nodded, grasping his hand. Harry though for a moment. Where could they talk without risking having someone else hear. What he wanted to say was for her ears only. The Astronomy Tower, the highest part of the school. He covered the pair of them without question, and hand in hand stepped through the portrait hole. They found their way to the tower, without even so much as smelling Filch. It was a bit risky, wandering around the castle while it was so tense, so alert. The sky was spectacular as they stood out on the top of the tower. Harry checked to make sure that the door would not lock behind them, then removed their cloak. They stood, awed by the beauty above them. “What is it Harry?” Ginny asked after a moment. Harry grasped her hand, drawing a deep breath. “Gin, I wanted to talk to you about the night Voldemort attacked Grimmuald Place.” Her body stiffened, for that was the night that her elder brother Percy had betrayed her family. “Alright,” she said quietly. Harry looked out over the grounds. He could see Hagrid’s house, dimly lit in the darkness. He could see so far this night. The horizon seemed endless. “You saved me that night. When you attacked Voldemort. I saw something… You were amazing!” She blushed lightly. “There was a fire inside you that I had never seen before. But I saw something in Voldemort. Fear.” Ginny watched him, quietly listening. “After… well after everything, I talked to Dumbledore.” He drew a deep breath, again glimpsing the vision of that they had shared of their future. He would definitely have to ask Dobby what that Ambrosia stuff. “The only thing that I thought frightened Voldemort is Dumbledore. But that night I learned of something else that scares him.” Harry looked deeply into Ginny’s eyes. “You held such power that it truly scared Voldemort. Dumbledore told me that night of a weapon. We have a weapon, you and I.” Ginny’s eyes grew wide. “Love,” he said, feeling a blush rise up his face. “He saw the love you have for me, and that I have for you. It was love my mother had that protected me from Voldemort’s curse as a child.” Harry kissed Ginny lightly on the lips. “Dumbledore says that our love may be our ultimate weapon.” Harry blushed again, color rising again to his cheeks. “I just thought that I ought to tell you. I’m sorry if I’ve been rambling.” He turned away, embarrassed to have spoken so much, and on such a special subject as love. Ginny found his hand, turning him back towards her. “Harry, thank you. After everything that Voldemort has done…” Her eyes shined brightly, the fire again igniting in her eyes. “If our love can destroy him, than I’m glad to have the keys to that weapon.” They stood there, underneath the bright starlight, hand in hand. “I love you Ginny Weasley.” “I love you Harry Potter.” They kissed, and it was as if lightning shot through them. The vision came again of their future. They stood, dressed in white, beneath an ivory arch. It was the most beautiful feeling that came to them. That night, they slept beneath the stars, arms wrapped tightly around each other, and around the future. Chapter 11 They awoke shortly after dawn. After finding their way back to the common room, they fell back to sleep in the soft, frumpy chairs. Just after 10 am, Ron and Hermione woke up, and as usual, Ron was starving. Breakfast was a tense affair that morning. The school seemed on watch, waiting for an impending storm. As they sat eating a subdued breakfast, though, a trio of familiar faces appeared in the entrance. Thud, step, thud, step… Harry looked up and say Mad-Eye Moody, his grisly face and gray hair unchanged since Harry had last seen him. His clawed wooden leg thudded loudly on the floor, a walking stick in his tired hand. He was followed by Kingsly Shacklebolt, his large frame sending an ominous shadow across the floor. Finally, there was Tonks, her hair a dark raven black, and her eyes a bright purple. The Order had come to help. Tonks came and hugged Hermione and Ginny, and Moody thudded his way to Harry’s side. “Professor,” Harry said in greeting. “Potter, I heard the school could use some help.” His electric blue eye fell on Ron, and his one natural eye followed. “Mr. Weasley, that’s quite a talent you’ve got.” Ron gulped, nodding nervously. “Thank you sir,” he mumbled. Soon they group found their way to the staff table, and sat speaking with Dumbledore. As they finished, they were informed by Professor McGonagall of how they would need to prepare for the Darkness that was coming. “Since we don’t know what the nature is of the attack, we simply want to you four to be ready to defend yourselves. Practice stunning , disarming,” she looked around at them. “Well, you know, anything that you’ve used before.” She walked off, obviously shaken by the war falling on her own territory. They sat in silence, Hermione’s expression tight-lipped and tense. McGonagall was her favorite teacher, strict but compassionate. It was a shock to them all to see her so shaken. Time seemed to blur, going by faster than anyone was prepared for it to. Soon, Harry saw lunch fly by, with the teachers milling about, going in and out of the school, in search of any protection that they had missed. Unused portions of the castle were closed up, and the greenhouses were fortified. Hagrid brought Buckbeak in to his meager hut, at least until Dumbledore saw how worried the giant was, and offered him an empty classroom. The ghosts even too refuge in some of the higher points of the castle. All the while, Harry and his companions practiced. They stunned, they disarmed, they practiced vanishing, any spell that might come in handy. Soon, supper was upon them, and with it, dusk. Shortly after a hurried and early supper, Dumbledore gathered everyone together at the entrance to the staircase. Through the great windows, they watched as night fell. It grew dark. For a moment, it was silent. Perhaps the vision was wrong. Perhaps- Light flared outside. Reds, blues and greens, all flared up light a beacon. The battle was on. Suddenly, they heard the outer wall to the Great Hall be blown away. They heard footfalls enter, and a moment later, the wall that divided the hall from the staircase was blown away. Cloak clad men entered. Deatheaters had entered Hogwarts. Chapter 12 But they were prepared. As the Deatheaters, a half dozen or more, stepped through the debris, all wands were raised. They scattered, throwing jinxes at the Deatheaters from all angles. Two of them broke through, driving Tonks and Shacklebolt to the foot of the staircase. The Deatheaters followed, and a chase began. Harry saw a pair of Deatheaters step forward, wands raised, but he and Ginny both let loose stunning spells, leveling the pair. Everyone was then forced into different directions as a new qave of men flodded the room. He saw teachers scatter, driven off to other rooms. Dumbledore floored a trio of Eaters without so much as a blink. The Deatheaters swarmed, but as Harry and the others were thrown back by this new wave, a thought came to him. Where was Voldemort? He would be here, to see the downfall… “This is only the first part…” he mumbled, and Ron turned to him. “What? What do you mean?” He short off a disarming spell, narrowly missing a tall Deatheater. “Voldemorts not here!” he yelled. “There must be more…” Harry looked around. He could no longer see Dumbledore. The only ones that were left were the four of them. Almost the instant that Harry realized that they were alone, a huge shadow fell upon them. Through the large windows, they saw… nothing. A huge mass of pure, bottomless black. As if the night had simply swallowed up the world outside. A deep, bone-chilling cold found them, causing their very souls to shrink into their core. There was a strange muted whisper, so quiet yet so profound that it seemed to peirce their hearts. Suddenly there was a startled shriek from a nearby room. Professor McGonogal stumbled into the room, her face sweaty and smudged, but her eyes wide. “Run,” was all that she could say, her voice strong but soft. Suddenly, it was as if the whole world vere enveloped in cold, piercing and frigid. Harry heard a soft moan near him, and as he turned, he saw Ginny. There were tears streaming down her face. Her body shook, and she silently fell to her knees, hands clasped tightly around her face. Harry rushed to her side as she uttered four simple words. “Tom.. No more…please!” At that moment, Harry knew what this darkness was. But just as the realisation came to him, so did the horrible memories. His mother shrieked, his fathers voice, Cedric dead, and finally, Sirius; his limp body falling soundlessly through the veil. Harry heard nothing but pain and hurt, until a deafening boom threw them to the floor. The whole main entrance was blown into bits. Wood and glass exploded, peppering everyone and everything with debris. What Harry saw next would forever stay in his mind. Hundreds… no thousands of Demeantors entered Hogwarts. Their black nothingness leaking evil, trailing a wake of pain and destruction. Harry dimly saw the others splayed out on the ground near him. Rons face was scratched, his face contorted in pain, the dim scars along his arms standing out a startling red against his pale skin. Hermione lay next to him, eyes screwed tight, her body rigid in fear and pain. Ginny lay next to Harry himself, her small frame shaking uncontrollably. There was a long cut along her neck, not deep, but it bleed. Harry himself felt stinging pain in his body, along his back and the right side of his face. Suddenly, the room was filled with light. Harry blinked as a bright silver light filled his view. The others around him weakly sat up, and were awed at what they saw. Dumbledore stood, arms outstretched, as a large silver phoenix filled the air. Harry struggled to his feet, grabbing Ginnys hand. Harry could just seem Professor McGonagall limp form on the floor near the Headmaster. They watched for a moment as the great phoenix drove back numerous Demeantors, their black tattered bodys dissolving into nothing. It was Dumbledore’s Patronus, driving back the blackness. His strong voice drifted up to them. “Go, now!” They needed little prompting. Harry and Ginny helped Ron and Hermione to their feet, then began to asend the stairs. As they neared the top of the stairs though, the phoenix faltered. Harry wheeled around to see Dumbledore being driven back as more and more, an almost endless stream of Demeantors filled the room. Suddenly, the cold emptiness filled them again. Frigid air filled Harrys lungs, and he saw his companions again fall to the floor, haunted again by horrible memories. Harrys world began to dissolve into pain… until a hand found his. He forced his eyes to open, and found Ginny grasping his hand, her eyes weak, but determined. Their eyes met, and strength again found its way to their bodies. They stood, hands clasped tight. They couldn’t fall like this. They had a future. They turned to face Ron and Hermione. They too struggled to their feet, and without a word they knew what was needed. “EXPECTO PATRONUM!” Their voices rang out through the ruins of the building. Harrys own stag was joined by Hermione’s otter, Ron’s bear, and the most magnificent leopard he had ever seen from Ginny. As the beasts reached the hole where the demeanors were, they were joined by Dumbledores phoenix, a large canine from Shacklebolt, who had just found his way back to the room. Soon, a prim peacock met the group as Professor McGonogal joined them, her glasses falling from her nose. Suddenly the room was quite litterally a zoo, as birds, large lizards and all manno of forms joined in. At last the darkness was driven back by the silver army, and as the last Demeantor was sent into oblivion, the group took one collective breath. They gathered at the base of the stairs, the silver beasts finially dissolving into nothing. Dumbledore, his old face lined and tired, but full of admoration. “I thank you,” he said softly, his eyes sparkling. “I know now, that we could not have defeated the Demeantors without your help, my students. But be aware, this may not be over yet.” He turned to the others. Moody, Tonks, and Shacklebolt stood their, as well as the others. They soon fell into a detailed account of what had befallen the DeathEaters. Most had been detained, but two had escaped. Harry turned away from that conversation, eyes falling on Ginny. “Are you alright?” he asked as she tenderly touched her wounded neck. She seemed pale, but smiled at him. “Fine, but you look a mess. What am I going to do with you.” He hugged her, as Ron and Hermione were speaking softly nearby. Hermione seemed very shaken, but was fussing over Rons tattered face. Ginny rolled her eyes, watching her brother figit a bit, but knowing very well that he was thoroughly enjoying being fussed over. Harry again looked into Ginny’s eyes, pulled into their depths. Their lips met, and they seemed to melt into one another. Suddenly, Harry’s head seemed to split with a now familiar pain. He fell to his knees. “Sir,” he muttered through his pain. “He is here!” Dumbledore was instantly at his side, wand drawn. “I know, Harry,” he said, his voice as solid and tangible as stone. Harry struggled to his feet, eyes watering in pain. “Sir,” he whispered, drawing his own wand, “it’s not over yet.” “Oh, very good, Harry,” a cold and familiar voice said, sending another icy chill through the air. Everyone whirled around to meet the voice. There, shrouded in dust and debris, stood Voldemort, the risen Dark Lord. He seemed untroubled by the wands raised in his direction, and as a number of curses were thrown at him, the bounced harmlessly away by some sort of a shield. “Tom,” Dumbledore calmly said, boldly stepping forward to meet his enemy. Voldemort’s cold eyes chilled even more, flashing red. “What is it you want?” Voldemort laughted, cold and empty. “Old man, you know what I want.” His icy eyes fell of Harry and his companions. “Harry, it seems that you have something that stands in my way.” He looked, cold and unfeeling, at he and Ginny. For a small moment, fear flashed across his face. His eyes fell of Ginny, and Harry felt her stiffen. “Oh, my dear, the things I could do…” Harry snapped, anger unbridled coursing through his young body. “You can’t touch us,” Harry heard himself say, his voice low and deadly. He felt a power course through his body. As Voldemort stepped closer, Harry looked to Ginny, and in an instant, they saw their future. They stood, dressed in white, as they kissed, sealing the vows that would bind them for eternity. Bright, pure and full of life. They shared this image, and without uttering a word, raised their wands at Voldemort. A pure white beam shot across the ruined room, silent and beautiful. It struck Voldemort in the chest, right below his right shoulder. A scream unlike anything that they had ever heard rang through the school. Pain coursed through the wizards body, and as the beam ended, Voldemort staggered. A ragged, bloody hole had been drilled through Voldemorts shoulder, blood freely falling to the marble floor. His eyes fell to his own wounded body, and then to the young pair that had inflicted the wound. His body shook, but it was unclear to Harry whether it was from pain or anger. For a moment, they simply stood there, the air thick with energy. Then Voldemort’s lips parted, dripping blood, and he spoke. “I will win,” he uttered, and then whirled about, dashing into the darkness outside. The others followed him, but nothing would be found of him. Dumbledore loked to Harry and Ginny, and the power that they had just unleashed upon the most dangerous wizard for centuries. His old eyes looked from one to the other, as he silently admired the pair. Their pure love and courage, passion and assurance, had inflicted a wound that would forever mark Voldemort. At that moment, they stood in the ruins of Hogwarts, unsure of when, if ever, they would see Voldemort, the Dark Lord again. Harry looked to Ginny, and admiring her courage and power, his lips met hers. Relief, passion, love, courage and pure joy filled them. As they parted, they surveyed their surroundings. The school was damaged, but repairable. Teachers and friends stood around them, awed and shocked by the events of the night. They would forever remember this night. Ron came to their side, with Hermione, and surveyed the surroundings. His impish face fell at last on Harry and Ginny, and he smiled. “Wow,” he said simply. The End |
| Reviews 3 |
|
