|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Author: Sassenach Story: Residual Remains Rating: Teens Setting: AU Status: Completed Reviews: 5 Words: 49,143
He snickered to himself, “I’m so great, I just got dumped.” As Harry turned down a corner, he noticed Neville Longbottom just ahead. Neville was speaking with a few students as he approached. “Harry, you’ve finally come to visit.” Neville beamed at him as they shook hands. “If you’ll excuse me, I will see you all tomorrow in class,” he addressed his students before walking with Harry down the hall. “So, Harry, what brings you here?” “Nothing, actually, I just wanted to see the old place,” Harry answered sombrely. Neville looked over at him frowning. “We may have not been terribly close in school, but I can still tell when you’re upset.” Harry laughed lightly at him. “I have a lot on my mind these days.” “I can understand that. Are you any closer to capturing the two prisoners who escaped?” They entered what looked like Neville’s office. There were books and assorted potted plants everywhere. The desk was cluttered with paperwork and a small potted fern adorned the corner edge. Its fronds caressed the parchments closest to it. As Harry stepped toward a shelving unit, he noticed the titles of all the books were plant related. He moved toward an open window and curiously regarded the leafy plant hanging cosily against the window pane, basking in the rays of the setting sun. “Not yet, but I hope it’s soon. I think this will be my last case before I retire from being an Auror.” Harry stated as he glanced back at Neville. Neville sat behind his desk and smiled at Harry. “Have you spoken to Dumbledore about getting a position teaching?” Neville signalled for Harry to take a seat in the comfy chair across from his desk. Harry acknowledged Neville’s gesture, and sat on the green plush chair. “Not really. I’m still trying to figure out my options.” “Well, there’s always Quidditch,” Neville said with a chuckle. “I bet you could play with Wood. He’s putting together a good team for the Cannons.” “I thought about that, but I’m not too sure,” Harry grinned. “He was an insane captain at school. I could only imagine how much worse he is professionally.” “Ah, yes, I miss the old school days. However, I don’t miss going to the classes, especially Snape’s,” Neville added hastily. “Does he still teach Potions?” Harry asked, not holding back the scowl on his face. “Yes, I’m afraid so and what’s worse is that I have to sit next to him at the head table during meals. I think he takes pleasure in making me feel uncomfortable.” Neville visibly shivered, but held a smile. Harry laughed and stated, “I don’t expect he’ll ever change.” “No, I’m afraid he won’t and that’s the scary part,” Neville chuckled heartily. Becoming serious once again he asked, “So, Harry, what’s troubling you these days?” “It’s a mess, really, and you don’t want to hear about it.” Dismally he waved his hand and shifted in his seat. “Honestly, I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to know,” Neville assured him. “Well, Ron and I are fighting—badly, I might add.” Harry frowned. “Ah, the inseparable duo is having a rough patch. Is Hermione involved in any of this?” Neville asked. Usually, Hermione was the balance between Ron and Harry. “No, but I don’t doubt she will be soon. I slugged him, Neville, and I slugged him hard.” Neville’s jaw dropped in surprise. “You punched Ron?” he squeaked in astonishment. “Yeah, right across the jaw—he’ll have trouble eating for a while, I suppose.” Even through Harry’s solemn expression, he couldn’t suppress the slight grin of satisfaction. “Wow, it must be bad. Do you mind me asking if it was over Ginny?” Harry snorted slightly. “How did you know?” “Intuition. Besides, everyone knows that Ron is overprotective. It was bound to happen sooner or later, really. Are you seeing her exclusively now?” “Well, before I came here she accused me of ruining our chances of even being together by hitting Ron. I don’t exactly think we’ll be seeing each other at all, let alone exclusively.” Harry sighed in frustration. “My, my Harry, you sure know how to get yourself into tight situations. I don’t even think I have good advice for this sort of thing. Seeing as to how I’m currently single and not experienced with the other gender at all, my advice would be poor.” “That’s all right, I actually wanted to see Dumbledore about this and see what he has to offer.” “Hopefully, a spell that makes it all go away,” Neville joked. “If he could do that it would be great,” Harry laughed. He stood up from his chair and reached across the desk to shake Neville’s hand. “It was good seeing you Neville, and thanks for listening to me.” “Anytime, Harry,” Neville replied, smiling pleasantly at him. As Harry opened the door to leave, Neville remembered, “By the way the password to Dumbledore’s office is Mint Humbugs, his favourite treat this term.” Harry showed himself out and then went to find Dumbledore’s office. He’d been there many times throughout his schooling, so he knew the place well. Once there, he stated the password and stepped onto the revolving staircase. Entering the office, he immediately felt at home. Everything was as it had always been. Nothing was out of place or missing. Each gadget seemed to whirl and buzz as it had always done. Fawkes stood on his perch just beside Dumbledore’s desk. The Sorting Hat was sitting in its usual place on the bookshelf behind the desk collecting dust while waiting for the next Sorting. “Harry, I was expecting you,” Dumbledore greeted, as he descended the staircase and approached Fawkes’ perch. “You were?” Harry asked quizzically. “Of course. It’s been forever and I was sure you would be coming soon. Please, sit down.” He gestured to a chair in front of his desk and Harry took a seat. “Thank you, sir,” Harry replied. “So, Harry, what brings you to my office three years after graduating?” Dumbledore asked as he stroked Fawkes feathers before turning to sit down as well. “I wanted to see you for some advice.” The old man smiled at him and straightened his glasses upon his nose. “Go on.” “Well, you see I was just in a fight with Ron and he and I aren’t speaking. I don’t know why I did it, but I hit him in the face. Anyway, now Ginny won’t speak to me either. I don’t know how to fix what’s happened.” He ran a hand through his wild black hair in frustration. “Well, you could start by apologizing to both parties, but I’m sure you’re not up to that.” He gave Harry a knowing look, his lips curved slightly in amusement. Pressing a finger to his forehead, Harry sighed heavily as he replied, “He said some pretty nasty things to me.” Dumbledore’s brow quirked up in query as he asked, “Have you tried explaining that to Ginny? I’m sure she’d like to hear your side of the story.” “No, I didn’t, but she won’t speak to me again.” Angrily, Harry looked away as he fought with the urge to crush something between his bare hands. “A letter doesn’t hurt.” Harry’s eyes snapped up to the older wizard’s face. “What about Ron?” “Well, one finds it hard to swallow their pride and admit to their wrong doings first, but sometimes it has to be done in order to keep the things you want. Friends, loyal friends at that, are hard to come by” Harry sighed, “So I should apologize then?” “I’m afraid that’s all the advice I can give you.” Harry nodded his head in understanding. “Thank you.” “Is there anything else I can help you with?” Dumbledore asked as if he knew there was something else. Harry looked up to him and stated, “Yes, there is one more thing. Will there be a position available next term for teaching?” Dumbledore smiled. “Are you looking for a change in career?” “Yes, I can’t be an Auror for much longer.” “Well, there is always a Defence Against the Dark Arts position available every fall term. I’m afraid we can’t keep a steady teacher in that subject. I’m sure you would suit it well, though. Hopefully you could even keep it for more than one year.” He winked at Harry. “Thanks, Headmaster, I would really appreciate that.” “Just let me know whenever you are ready,” Dumbledore smiled. “I hope everything goes well with your situation as well.” “Thank you again.” Harry smiled as he stood up. “I’ll just let myself out.” “Goodbye, Harry,” Dumbledore replied before Harry left the office. When Harry returned to the apartment, he didn’t see Ron but knew he was probably in his room. Sliding behind the small desk, he turned the small lamp on and pulled out parchment and a quill. Quickly, he began to write a note to Ginny explaining the circumstances of the fight between him and Ron. Hedwig, who had been sitting on the windowsill, flew into the room and stood on his shoulder, watching him finish up the letter. Harry rolled up the parchment, attached it to Hedwig’s leg and sent her off. Hopefully, Ginny would read it, understand, and forgive him. ~@~ Colin had come immediately after getting word from Ginny that she needed to talk to him now. The urgency of her short note sent him flying out the doors of the Daily Prophet. Something was terribly wrong and she needed him now more than ever. Pushing the front door of her house open he called out to her but there was no answer. “Ginny is everything all right, I’m worried,” he called out to her. He popped his head into the main room and saw it was empty. Walking up the stairs, he entered her apartment. It was then that he heard her sobs coming from the bedroom. His heart took a sudden lurch and he rushed into the room. Was she hurt? “Ginny, what is it?” he asked breathlessly as he found her lying on the bed, curled up in a ball. The sobs racked her body and made her tremble. He pulled the sheets and blankets away from her to see if she was really hurt. A cursory glance told him she wasn’t, so he sat down on the bed next to her and gently pushed her hair away from her face. “What is it, Ginny, you’re scaring me.” “You were right,” she cried reaching for him. “I don’t understand. What was I right about?” He asked making her sit up. “Harry. You were right about him,” she moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. Colin’s upper lip tightened in anger. Harry was the cause of her tears. “What did he do?” he grounded out. “He ruined everything and he hit Ron. Now Ron won’t let me see him.” She continued to cry into his shoulder. “Wait. Harry hit Ron?” Colin asked confused. It was hard to believe that the two friends would come to fisticuffs. “Yes, and Ron threatened to tell Dad about me being in Knockturn Alley if I try seeing Harry again. Dad will be furious with me and he’ll stop paying the bills for the shop.” She pulled away from him slightly. “Colin, I just started and I can’t pay for the bills just yet. I’ll have to shut down.” “No, that won’t happen.” Colin assured her as he rubbed her back. Ginny wiped at her eyes a little. “Yeah, and that means I can’t see Harry ever again.” “Gin, I hate to say this but it’s probably for the better. I mean, if he’s resorted to violence against your brother, I’m sure you don’t want to mix with him. What if he did that to you?” Ginny looked up at him and sternly said, “Harry would never hit me.” “Do you know that for sure? I bet Ron thought Harry would never hit him either and look at what happened.” Colin felt he had to drive the point home or Ginny would ruin the future of her apothecary business. Ginny lay back down on the bed and continued to cry. She hid her head under the pillows, refusing to speak any further. A tapping sound on the window made Colin get up from the bed and investigate. Harry’s owl, Hedwig, was outside the window rapping on it with her beak. In her claws was a letter, no doubt, from Harry. Colin slid the window open and took the letter from the bird. Closing the window again, he looked over the note and frowned. It was an apology and explanation for what happened. “What is it?” Ginny asked as she began to come out from under the pillows. “It was nothing, just a stupid bird flying into the window,” he answered calmly. He had never lied to Ginny before, but now seemed like a good time. “Colin, will you make me some green tea? I have a headache.” She dabbed at her eyes with the hem of the sheet as she sat up in the bed. He came over to her, but held the letter behind his back. Kissing her forehead he smiled at her and said, “Sure sweetie.” Entering the kitchen, he put the letter down on the counter and stared at it. Should he have showed it to her? Of course not, because then she would change her mind and get herself into worse trouble with her brother. Potter wasn’t worth it, he decided. Fixing a kettle to boil, he pulled out two mugs and tea bags. Ginny came out of the room and went into the bathroom. He listened as the shower head turned on. Colin rolled the letter open once again and read the note over. Dear Ginny, Please give me the chance to explain what happened today. After I left your house this morning, Ron laid into me pretty hard and we nearly had a fight then. When we got to the office, the feelings of anger still hadn’t gone away. He made a few really harsh comments before finally saying something that I’m not sure I could ever forgive him for. I lost my cool and struck him then, and everything went to hell. You have to believe me, Gin, when I say that I entirely regret hitting him and I would never do it again, no matter what. Please forgive me for putting our relationship in jeopardy. I hope we can talk soon. Love, Colin wanted to tear the letter to pieces, but restrained himself. Why had Harry spent the night at Ginny’s place? Had they slept together? Colin refused to think it was possible. Ginny was too pure for that and he knew she wanted to wait for marriage. On the other hand, it was Harry Potter, the love of her life. The shower turned off and Colin panicked. He picked up the letter from the counter and tossed it toward the rubbish bin. Moving to the kettle, he removed it from the cooker just as Ginny came out of the shower. He watched as she entered the bedroom and closed the door. Finishing with straining the tea leaves, he moved to the table and placed the mugs down on the varnished wood surface. Ginny came out of the bedroom and smiled slightly as she pulled her hair into a pony tail. “I’m sorry for calling you out of work for this. I was behaving like a child.” “No you weren’t; you got your heart broken, Ginny. Besides, I don’t care about work. You’re more important.” He smiled up at her and handed her a mug. She sat down across from him and sniffed the tea. “This tea really relaxes me.” “Good, hopefully you’ll feel better in no time.” He grinned as he took a sip from his mug. She sighed and asked, “Colin, what would I do without you?” “You’d probably still be sulking in your room,” he answered with a smirk. “Want to stay and watch movies? Dad got me a Muggle television as a house warming gift.” She gestured to the large television set in the living room area. “I’ve got all day.” He beamed. ~@~ After Hermione had left him, Ron decided he didn’t want to stay in the flat any longer. He determined that it was better to go to Hermione’s and try to apologize to her. True to form, she had scolded him a second time before putting him to bed on the sofa and then falling asleep herself. Now she was awake and busily cleaning up her small flat. Ron groaned from the couch as he woke up. It felt as if his head was split in half. “Are you awake?” she asked as she continued to broom the floor. He groused in reply, “Yes, but I feel like I’m dying.” “You had way too much to drink last night,” she curtly informed him. “Ah, that would explain it.” He laughed slightly, and immediately regretted doing so since the jarring motion made his head throb worse. At least he was in a better humour today, he thought miserably. Reaching for his wand, he charmed his forehead and the pounding stopped. “Do you know what happened last night?” she asked as she came over to the couch, bearing a look of dismay. “Barely, but I remember what happened that morning,” he replied hoarsely. “You forgot to meet me after work and I found you in your flat reeking of Firewhiskey or whatever it was you had,” she replied. “I’m sorry. I went straight to the Three Broomsticks where I proceeded to intoxicate myself with, yes, Firewhiskey. I think I saw Ginny there, too.” He sat up and held his head in his hand. The bruise on his jaw was still sore. “You didn’t say anything to her about what happened between you and Harry did you?” she asked in concern. “I’m not really sure. Everything is a little fuzzy.” He closed his eyes and tried to think, but it only caused the headache to return. “Ron, you’ve got to tell me what you said to Ginny,” Hermione demanded. He looked up at her and frowned. “Why? When is everything suddenly your business to know?” “Because you may have caused problems between her and Harry,” Hermione snapped. “Who cares? He shouldn’t be going near my sister anyway, at least not after what he did to her three years ago.” He rubbed his temple and stated, “All I can remember is telling her what happened and then…” “Then what?” she asked, her voice raising a notch. He groaned and wished he had never gone out at all last night. “Then I told her not to go near Harry. I may have bruised her arm as well.” “What? Ron, are you serious?” Hermione was bowled over by his behaviour. “What did you say exactly?” “Hermione, can we talk about this later? My head feels like it is being split in half.” He covered his ears because they were beginning to ring, as he lay back down. “No, Ron, you need to talk now because you have caused more trouble in one night than you ever have in your entire life,” she stormed yanking him back into a sitting position. Ron scowled at her. “I told her I’d tell Dad that she was in Knockturn Alley if she saw Harry again. Are you happy?” he barked in annoyance. “Are you insane?” she cried out slapping him across the back of his head. “Ron, I am so disappointed in you.” Having fallen back on the couch, Ron looked up at her bewildered. “That’s fine, but did you have to hit me?” He groaned as he held the back of his head. That’s two hard hits within two days, he thought fiercely. “You deserved that you conniving little alcoholic,” she blurted out as she waggled her finger dangerously at him. “I am not an alcoholic!” he cried out. “One night and I’m deemed as a raging alcoholic.” “Oh, dear! I have to go see Ginny.” Hermione began looking around the room frantically for her cloak. “What for?” he asked as he sat up and watched her search the apartment. She whirled back towards him and inhaled gravely as she stared him down venomously. “To fix what you just did,” she replied hotly. “Ron, I swear if you go to your father with that kind of malarkey, I won’t talk to you ever again.” “Oh great, that’s two friends who won’t speak to me now,” he prattled. “Funny, how everyone takes Harry’s side.” He stood up daringly and glared angrily at her. “Don’t you start Ron,” she warned him. “No, really, I’m sick of it. Every time we argue, you always take his side. You’re my girlfriend and you’re supposed to love me. Why is it that you always choose him over me?” She looked at him shocked. “Do you really want to do this?” He shook his head. “Forget it. Go to poor Harry and Ginny’s aid. I’ll be just fine on my own. Who needs you anyway?” She nearly laughed in his face. “I think you’ve lost your mind.” “Why are you laughing at me? This isn’t funny. Does it look like I’m trying to be funny?” “No, it really is. It’s almost sad how you’re destroying everything and hurting the people who love you. First Harry, then Ginny and now me—you want to break up? I’m not even going to do this with you right now. It’ll have to wait until later.” She shook her head and pulled her cloak on hastily. “I hope you come to your senses the minute I leave, and see how much of a mistake you are making.” Ron stood silently and watched a she Disapparated in front of him. Well, that went well. Note to self, don’t open your mouth ever again, he reflected. ~@~ Ginny was surprised when Hermione showed up on her doorstep. She led the way up the stairs to her flat after giving her friend a tour of the shop. “I didn’t expect you to come or I would have tidied up a bit,” Ginny commented as they walked into the living room. Hastily, she scooped up a pair of socks that were hanging over the back of the couch. “You have a very nice place, Ginny,” Hermione complimented as she surveyed the cosy apartment. Colin rose from the couch and smiled over at Hermione. “Hello, Hermione.” “Hello, Colin,” Hermione replied in shock. Had he spent the night? From the looks of his dishevelled clothes, it certainly did look it. “So, can I help you with anything,” Ginny asked, breaking Hermione’s thoughts. “Yes, actually, I need to speak to you in private,” Hermione murmured as she looked away from Colin’s curious gaze. Colin looked uncomfortable and he moved for his cloak. “I’ll just leave you two ladies. I’ll see you later, Ginny.” He walked over to her and kissed her on the forehead and Hermione couldn’t help but feel strange about the gesture. He left them alone and Ginny asked, “Would you like some tea?” “Yes, I would love that,” Hermione answered with a smile. She sat down at the table and waited for Ginny to serve her. Ginny set the kettle to boil for the second time that morning. Fetching two mugs out of the cupboard, she set the strainer and tea leaves up. Once the water boiled she poured it into the mugs. Setting them down on the table, she took a seat. “What is it that you would like to speak about?” she asked blowing on her tea. “It’s about Ron and last night,” Hermione began. Ginny shifted in her chair uneasily. She didn’t want to talk about last night at all. “Please don’t get involved, Hermione. Things will only get worse and I don’t want you and Ron fighting.” “Too late for that,” Hermione stated ruefully. “Besides, I can’t just sit back and watch Ron destroy everything for you.” “What do you mean?” Ginny asked reticently. “I know what Ron told you and I’m here to tell you that it won’t happen. I won’t let him go to your father and spill the beans. However, I will discourage you from shopping any further in Knockturn Alley. It is extremely dangerous to be in that area.” “I know and I’m not going back there ever again. But Hermione, I’m afraid I don’t understand what you’re saying exactly.” She took a sip of her tea. “I’m saying that I want you to see Harry. You’re the only thing that makes him happy and he hasn’t really had anything good in his life. He deserves to be happy and so do you. I know how you feel for him.” Hermione sipped her tea nonchalantly. Ginny sighed heavily. “It’s too late for that, too. Harry came here last night and I refused to speak to him. It’s over between us and I don’t think he’ll want me back after how I treated him.” Hermione shook her head lightly. “I wish I had asked Ron last night what happened at the pub, but he was too drunk to respond. Well, I guess I did everything I could do.” “Don’t worry Hermione, I’ll be fine. It’s probably better this way.” Ginny reached a hand toward Hermione’s and patted her reassuringly. “I don’t think so,” Hermione replied with a frown. “Thank you anyway, Hermione. You’re a good friend.” She gave the studious woman’s hand a firm squeeze before retracting her hand and taking her mug. Hermione smiled up at her and finished her tea. “Here, let me clean up.” She got up from her chair and took Ginny’s mug. Walking into the kitchen, she set the mugs in the sink and removed the tea leaves. “Where is the rubbish bin, Ginny?” “It’s underneath the bar, to your right,” Ginny answered from the table. Hermione bent down to pull the bin out. As she did, she spotted a neatly folded letter right behind it. Dropping the sopping wet tea leaves into the bin, she pulled it out from under the counter and reached for the parchment. “I wonder what this is,” she murmured thoughtfully. “What is what?” Ginny asked from the table. “Did you mean to throw this out?” Hermione asked as she stood up and held the note up. “No, what’s that?” Ginny asked standing from her chair and peering over the ledge of the bar to see the item in question. Hermione looked at the letter and frowned. She read a few lines and then skipped to the signature. “It’s an apology from Harry. It looks fresh too; the ink is still wet on his signature.” “What?” Ginny asked as she came around the table toward the kitchen. She took the letter from Hermione and read it quickly. Her jaw slid open and she looked up at Hermione. “Colin must have taken it from that bird last night. Why didn’t I notice it? He was acting so strange when I came out to the kitchen.” “What does the letter say exactly?” Hermione asked. “He explained what happened between him and Ron and said it was a huge mistake. Oh, Hermione, he sincerely apologized for everything.” Ginny felt tears well up in her eyes once again. “Oh, Ginny, don’t cry. It will be okay. See, everything will be better now.” Hermione hugged her and smiled at her. “But what about Ron?” Ginny asked as she wiped her sleeve across her eyes. “Don’t worry about him. I’ll take care of him,” Hermione stated with a flash in her eyes. Ginny looked around the room wildly. “I have to go. I have to go see Harry or he’ll think I don’t want to speak to him anymore.” “Yes, he should be at work. Oh, good luck Ginny!” They hugged one last time before Ginny left for the Ministry of Magic. Hermione locked up the house behind her and smiled as she walked to Ron’s apartment.
|