|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Author: Arnel Story: New Year, New Hope Rating: Young Teens Status: Completed Reviews: 10 Words: 155,257
Sunday was a lazy, sleep-the-morning-away day for Ginny. Her roommates sensed she needed a lie-in badly and mercifully left her alone. When she finally reached the common room about half past eleven, she found only a few people seated around the fire. Hermione and Ron were among them and her brother raised an eyebrow as she flopped into an armchair opposite him and Hermione. "What's up with you and Harry?" he asked. "You two never sleep in." "Late night," Ginny answered cryptically. She wasn't sure how much Harry wanted disclosed and she wasn't about to ruin her own rather tranquil mood. Hermione looked pointedly at her as she asked, "And what time did you and Harry come back upstairs?" Ginny blushed to the roots of her hair. "Three," she answered. "Did he?" Hermione asked cryptically, glancing at Ron. "Yes," Ginny replied, ignoring Ron's swivelling head. "Good," Hermione said, beaming. She tugged at Ron's sleeve as she rose from her seat next to him. "Library," she commanded and the two climbed through the portrait hole, Ron still throwing bewildered looks over his shoulder at Ginny as he went. At noon, when Ginny left the common room to go down to lunch, Harry had still not appeared. She ate alone at the very end of the Gryffindor table, enjoying the solitude and relative silence, not bothering to even glance over at the sixth years gathered together around Hermione's much flipped-through copy of yesterday's The Daily Prophet. At the end of the meal, Ginny grabbed three of the left-over Forfar Bridies, two apples and six chocolate digestive biscuits and wrapped the lot in a napkin to take upstairs to Harry. She knew he would enjoy the meaty pies, especially if she warmed them next to the fire. Harry greeted her with a warm smile from his place on the floor in front of the common room fire. He had his Defence book open in front of him, along with his quill, ink, and a half-completed essay. Ginny sat next to him and held out his lunch. "Thanks, Ginny," he beamed before biting into the still-warm pastry. "Did you sleep well?" she asked, selecting one of the biscuits from the pile and breaking off a piece. Harry swallowed before he replied. "Never better. Not even the slightest hint of a nightmare. I can't believe I slept that long." Ginny took in the relaxed expression on Harry's face and knew that what she had done for him would be worth every minute of the week of detentions she was facing with Snape. "You needed it," she said, "and so did I." Harry nodded and addressed his meal again. Ginny excused herself and went upstairs to get her homework. When she came back down, the Forfar Bridies were gone and Harry was hunched over his essay and munching on an apple. Ginny sat in one of the chairs close to him and pulled out her books; the two of them wiled away the afternoon in pleasant silence as their housemates came and went. Hermione and Ron joined them late in the afternoon and as the sun began streaking the common room with the deep gold and orange light of sunset, the four Gryffindors put aside their homework and went down to dinner together. Monday morning came with its usual jarring abruptness. However, instead of dreading the activities of the coming week as she usually did, Ginny embraced the return to the predictable monotony of her timetable. The only drawback was that before she could immerse herself in the tedium of it she would have to sit through her self-imposed tension of waiting for the owl post. Breakfast that morning did bring the owls for Harry as well as Ginny, Neville, Ron and Hermione. Ginny quickly retrieved the stiff envelope from the big barn owl which had landed in front to her plate and gave it a bit of bacon. It flew off in the direction of the owlery as she opened her letter. Dear Miss Weasley, As per our conversation of Saturday, 19 January 1997, I am requesting that you come to my office at four o'clock this afternoon. The password is 'Mars Bars'. Very sincerely yours, Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster Ginny finished reading her note in time to see Ron's eyes widen and a pleased smile spread over Hermione's face. Further down the table, Neville seemed to be in shock. He saw Ginny looking at him and shook his note at her. She smiled back showing him her identical message, then returned her attention to her porridge which seemed to have several owl prints in it. As she did, Harry nudged her elbow. "What's all this about?" he asked indicating his summons as well as her own. "I told you Saturday night, Harry. It's part of you knowing you're not alone," she said cryptically. "Everyone who gets one of these notes has a special role to help you do what you must." As Harry nodded slowly in resignation, she grasped his hand and squeezed it. "I don't want to go up there this afternoon," Harry muttered, "but I reckon I've got to face the fact that I've let six months go by without doing anything." "Harry, I know who your new Occlumency tutor is going to be. You can trust him, you already do," Ginny told him. "Harry, look into my eyes! I know you're scared, I know you're resentful, but I also know that deep down you're willing to trust your teachers. Please give Professor Dumbledore's plans a chance." Harry sighed and pulled his gaze from Ginny's. He gestured toward her note and asked, "What time are you scheduled for?" "Four. And you?" "Half three. It says I'm going to meet my tutors and then sit in on the rest of the meeting." Ginny smiled as she stood to go to her first lesson. "Just relax, Harry. I think you're going to like the fact that Ron, Hermione, Luna, Neville, and I are all going to be doing this with you in one way or another." When Harry only gave her a half-hearted smile she reached up and covered the place where her angel resided. The effect was almost instantaneous; Harry looked a little calmer as his hand touched his robes where his phoenix lay underneath. He returned her smile with an awed, "Amazing!" Ginny grinned as she told him, "Remember, I'm with you when you need me." *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* The day seemed to fly by in a predictable flurry of new material and before she knew it, her last lesson was ending and she was hastening toward the headmaster's office. The gargoyle sprang aside when she gave the password and she stepped onto the revolving staircase leading up to the massive oak door. "Welcome, Miss Weasley," Professor Dumbledore greeted her through the open office door as she stepped off the staircase. "Hello, Professor, Harry," she greeted them gazing around the circle of chairs which had been positioned in front of the fireplace. Five were empty—reserved she thought for herself, Hermione, Luna, Neville and Ron. The rest were occupied by various adults, some of whom Ginny knew fairly well, while others were complete strangers. Remus Lupin, seated on Harry's left, beamed as she settled into the chair on Harry's other side. Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat and all eyes focussed on him. "Ginny—may I call you by your given name—I have asked you here today because of your friendship with Harry and the fact that you have shown great interest in his well-being." Harry reached over and caught Ginny's hand in his. "You, for the most part, are responsible for Harry's recovery from the death of his godfather. Your loyalty and caring nature has given him the fortitude he needed to tell those closest to him about his role in this war, as well as the hope he required to help him see that he is surrounded by people who fervently want him to succeed." Dumbledore paused and gazed very seriously at Ginny over his half-moon spectacles. "Before we go any further, I must ask you a question. Ginny…are you prepared and willing to give your life for Harry?" The question caught Ginny completely by surprise. However, she didn't have to think twice about her answer. Her head swivelled slightly between Harry and the headmaster as she answered, "Yes!" in a clear, confident voice. Beside her, Harry blanched, his scar standing out on his forehead more than ever. "No, Ginny!" he protested, "I can't let you do something like that!" "I want to, Harry, if it means that you'll succeed," Ginny told him capturing his gaze and covering their clasped hands with her right. "I don't plan on dying, but if it comes to that, I will." "Harry," Remus Lupin interrupted coming to kneel between them, "Lily said the same thing to James many years ago before you were born." "That pledge is what killed her!" Harry burst out. "No, Harry, it isn't. Your mother made three pledges of her life: the first was to James, the second was to the Order, the third was to you." Harry's eyes widened at this news. "She was willing to sacrifice her life for you when I told her and James about the Prophecy," Dumbledore said quietly. "Harry, I was witness only to the second," Remus said, "but I knew about the first and the third." "Why would she do such a thing?" Harry asked looking between Remus and Ginny. "Why would you do such a thing?" "She loved you. I love you, Harry," Ginny told him gently. "I'd step in front of a Killing Curse for you, for my parents, for my brothers, for Hermione, even Neville or Colin if it means that the people who are important to me could live because of my sacrifice." "But I don't want you to feel you have to do that, Ginny," Harry said, his voice cracking with emotion. "That's what love is, Harry," Dumbledore said quietly. "You seem to possess it in large quantities. Your friends love you, follow you, because of who you are inside. Voldemort doesn't understand love, despises it even. I told you last June that you have power that he knows not. If you are to succeed, you must know who really loves you and who you can trust. I'd say the students who went with you to the Ministry of Magic last year are your strengths, Harry." Ginny joined in. "You heard their reasons for going with you on Saturday." She looked over Lupin's head at the headmaster. "Are you going to pose the question you asked me to all the others, sir?" "Yes, Ginny. I think it would be good for all of us to know exactly who Harry can trust and who he can't," Professor Dumbledore said. "It would help everyone here to know." He indicated the assemblage of adults for the first time with a wave of his hand. "It would also not hurt for everyone present to know of your gift to Harry." "What gift?" Remus asked quietly. Harry fished his phoenix pendant from under his shirt and held it up for everyone to see. Ginny did the same. "This one," she supplied as Remus studied the jewellery and raised an eyebrow when Harry's phoenix disappeared when he tried to palm it. "The necklaces are bonded magically so that Harry now has a small amount of my magic with him at all times." Dumbledore nodded gravely. "The spells you used signify a great sacrifice on your part, Ginny." Puzzled, Ginny asked, "How do you know which spells I used, sir?" "I was with you the night you cast the bonding spells, Ginny." "How? I was alone in the Room of Requirement." "Let's just say that I don't need an Invisibility Cloak to be invisible," Professor Dumbledore said somewhat mysteriously. "Oh," she murmured looking uncertainly between Harry and Dumbledore. "I reckon one of the pairs of ears in the walls you talked about Saturday morning is yours…or maybe even Dobby's?" she asked winking at the headmaster. He inclined his head and Ginny saw his moustache twitch a little before he explained, "Yes, Ginny. I was there for your own safety. The spells you were casting that night could have gone very wrong if you hadn't performed them correctly. You might not have been found before it was too late." "I knew the risks, Professor. And I was willing to take them for Harry." Dumbledore addressed Harry. "You're a very lucky young wizard to have a witch like Ginny watching over you. She used some very ancient and powerful magic to create your talismans." "I know that, sir," he said gravely turning to look at Ginny, "but when I asked her she wouldn't tell me what spell she used." Dumbledore looked pointedly at Ginny who could only nod. "The bonding spell was Immolato veneficium libenter," he intoned. "What does that mean, sir?" asked Harry in a puzzled voice. Ginny held her breath as Professor Dumbledore said, "Roughly translated, 'I sacrifice my magic willingly'." Harry closed his eyes as Ginny exhaled and looked at the parquet floor of the office. "Thank you, Ginny," he murmured as his hand found hers and gave it a squeeze. "Can we talk later?" "Whenever you're ready, Harry," she told him, squeezing back. She looked up as the other adults began whispering amongst themselves, knowing that each adult present now knew about her first sacrifice. "You're an admirable young lady, Ginny," Remus grinned at her as he stood up. "You and Lily are two of a kind." "I'm glad you think so. It's a little humbling to be compared with her, though," Ginny admitted, feeling her ears growing warm. A knock on the office door brought everyone's attention back to the headmaster. "That will be the others," said Dumbledore as he took a twelve-handed pocket watch from inside his robes and consulted it. "Right on time. Ginny, will you let them in, please?" Ginny rose and went to open the door. As Ron, Hermione, Luna, and Neville trooped in, the paintings on the walls sprang to life and greeted the newcomers with a chorus of welcoming expressions; even Phineas Nigellus added his opinion to the mix when he recognized Ron. "I should have known you'd be here," he sneered sourly. "Glad to see you, too," Ron shot back. Everyone laughed and sat down in the circle of chairs as Phineas slunk out of his frame while muttering something about upstart, cheeky teenagers. Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat and all eyes immediately settled on him. He conjured a tea set and filled each cup with deliberate care. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began when everyone had been served. "You have been invited here because you play or will shortly begin playing a pivotal role in the future of this war. Each of you has unique talents and qualifications which can, in some way, be used to support Harry Potter in his responsibilities set by the Prophecy. Before we proceed any further, however, I have a question to pose to Harry's peers. Ginny, you have already answered, but for the benefit of your brother and friends I request that you answer again." He paused and took a sip of tea while Ginny began to feel anxious about Ron's response to her imminent answer. "Ginevra Weasley, are you willing to give your life to befriend and protect Harry Potter?" All eyes swung toward Ginny as she answered in a clear, confident voice, "Yes, I am." Predictably, Hermione gasped and clutched at Ron's hand. Ron's typical confrontational reaction didn't come; his only response was a sharp intake of breath. Neville, seated on Ron's right, blanched and gulped audibly while Luna retained her usual disinterested review of her surroundings. Professor Dumbledore now addressed Neville. "Neville Longbottom, are you willing to give your life to befriend and protect Harry Potter?" "Yes, sir!" Neville replied with a look of devoted determination that, to Ginny, seemed to sit well on him. "Hermione Granger, are you willing to give your life to befriend and protect Harry Potter?" Hermione sat up straight in her chair as she answered, "Yes, Professor, I am." "Ronald Weasley, are you willing to give your life to befriend and protect Harry Potter?" Ginny stole a glance at her brother and was pleased with what she saw. All traces of Ron's usual cockiness were gone from his face making him look more mature than usual as he intoned gravely, "Yes, I am, sir." Ron's answer must have meant the most to Harry for Ginny felt her angel vibrate slightly. She glanced over at Harry and caught him mouthing, "Thanks, mate," at her brother. A prolonged and expectant silence filling the office brought Ginny's attention back to the circle where the question had just been asked of Luna. Finally she said quietly, "No, sir. I am not." "Luna!" Hermione burst out indignantly, "for Merlin's sake, why not?" "I have my reasons," Luna said looking pointedly at Hermione. "That's not good eno—" "Miss Granger!" Professor Dumbledore commanded sharply, "you will kindly refrain from badgering Miss Lovegood. I expect that as a prefect you know to respect the wishes and opinions of others!" Abashed, Hermione shrank back into her chair murmuring, "I apologize, Luna," to which Luna only nodded. Professor Dumbledore regarded the Ravenclaw fifth year over the top of his spectacles. "I appreciate your honesty, Miss Lovegood. Would you care to share your reasons for answering the way you did?" Almost as an afterthought he added, "It's all right to remain silent if you wish." Luna met the headmaster's gaze. "I will explain, but before I do I want everyone, especially Harry, to know that even though I can't promise to give my life for him in good conscience, I still want to do what I can to help." She glanced at Harry as if weighing the effect of her words on him. "First, I'm not a very close friend of Harry's. I'm a Ravenclaw, one year below Harry and therefore don't spend much time with him or the other sixth years of either house. Second, this is my OWL year and I don't feel I can devote much time to extra training because of my revision preparations. Finally, as the daughter of a journalist, I feel that I must keep my distance from all parties in this war. My father has taught me to try to see both sides of a story and to form my own opinions. Last year I made the decision to join the DA and therefore the fight against Dark wizards. I still am true to that decision because I can see what Lord V-V-Voldemort is doing to our world. What I'm trying to say is that whatever I can do for the Wizarding world I will. I won't commit to one person, but I will commit to the cause I believe in. Harry is a big component of that cause, so I promise to do what I can to help him." She stopped and let her protuberant eyes rest on Harry. "Do you understand, Harry?" she asked, looking him in the eye. "Yeah, I do," Harry answered. "I'm good with it. Thanks." "Whatever help you are willing to provide is greatly appreciated, Miss Lovegood," Professor Dumbledore added. "Please stay for the remainder of this meeting so you can determine your level of participation." Luna smiled vaguely and Ginny could see that her friend's mind was beginning to wander. I can't believe that's really Luna! she thought as the room began to hum with several conversations at once. She's surprised the heck out of me, out of all of us, this week! Professor Dumbledore now addressed the group as one. "As startling as Miss Lovegood's honesty may seem, I understand her motivations and will now proceed with my original outline for this meeting. "As I stated earlier, each of you has an important part in this war whether you are a student or an adult." He paused to refill his teacup and then levitated the pot around the circle for anyone who wanted more. "I'm not certain the students know all the adults present, although most are professors here at Hogwarts." Ginny studied the assembled witches and wizards who were populating the other chairs. She immediately recognized all but one. Beside Remus Lupin sat Kingsley Shacklebolt, Tonks and Professors McGonagall and Sprout. Professor Flitwick was on Professor Dumbledore's other side while Madam Pince and Madam Pomfrey stood in the shadows behind Dumbledore's chair. Looking at the assembled faculty, Ginny suddenly understood how much Professor Umbridge had been up against at the end of the previous school year. Professor Dumbledore now introduced the witch Ginny didn't know. The petite, Oriental woman was dressed in white trousers and a sort of short dressing gown that was tied together with a black belt at her waist. Her feet were bare and her greying hair was neatly pulled back into a long plait. Ginny wondered why the woman felt familiar until Professor Dumbledore said, "May I present Mrs. Ming Chang. She is the mother of one of the seventh years here at Hogwarts. Because of her position at St. Mungo's Hospital where she is a Healer in the Spell Damage ward, she is unable to join the Order and wishes that her daughter not be made aware of her involvement. We will respect her wishes because she has volunteered her services to us. "I wish I could say the plan I'm about to discuss with you has been in place since September and that we were here to report on our progress. As it is, let me outline what the plan entails. First, Harry has agreed to resume his Occlumency lessons, this time with Remus Lupin." Ginny glanced at Hermione to see the older girl trying very hard not to look smug. "Second, he has agreed to have his supporting circle of friends train with him in the following areas: advanced duelling, sponsored by Kingsley Shacklebolt; Apparation training to be conducted by Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall—" To her right, Ron whispered, "Wicked!" causing Ginny to shake her head. "—and Tai Chi training/physical conditioning taught by Ming Chang. Third, because each of Harry's friends has unique talents which are valuable to the war effort, each of them will be asked to take on an additional area or two of training or research." He now addressed Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Luna and Neville directly. "I will now pass out your modified time tables. Please understand that this is training over and above your current course loads. You will be expected to still maintain your academic marks to Hogwarts' standards in the subjects you are currently taking, even though your new time tables give you less time for completing assignments. As a final caution, the adults have agreed to remain silent about our activities and I must ask you six to do the same. It is of the utmost importance that Voldemort not find out what we are doing to help Harry guarantee his demise." He looked around the circle. "Any questions? Good. The meeting is adjourned." With this, six small pieces of parchment floated to their owners and Ginny and the others quickly put their heads together to compare notes. Luna, it seemed was included in only two of the extracurricular activities: Apparation training and something called "Spell Research". The note next to this activity explained that Luna and Hermione would be helping Madam Pince search for spells to be used in the Advanced Duelling training as well as focusing on trying to find a spell for Harry to use against Voldemort. "That's right up your alley, Hermione," Ron said smiling at her. "I reckon you'll get to read all sorts of books from the restricted section of the library!" "I'm looking forward to it, Ron," Hermione said peering at her timetable. "I'm just concerned that I'm going to have to borrow one of those wretched Time Turners again to do a decent job of everything. Thank goodness Apparation Training is only on Saturday mornings!" Neville pointed out, "It looks like only Harry, Ron and I are in Fencing on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Do you s'pose the three of us are really going to have to fight the Muggle way, I mean, real hand-to-hand combat?" "It might have come in handy at the Ministry last June," Harry commented darkly. "I'm glad that we're all taking Advanced Duelling on Mondays and Wednesdays, though…" His face took on a haunted look Ginny had come to recognize as his brooding expression. "I wonder why I've only got Advanced Spell Casting," Ginny mused trying to distract Harry from his memories. "It looks like only Harry and I have that one. It's on Fridays for three hours!" "Dunno, maybe because it's your OWL year?" Harry said shaking his head and trying to read Ron's schedule upside down. "Hey, look, Ron. You're going to be spending Sunday nights with Professor Dumbledore. What's it say? The writing is too small." "Get some better glasses, Potter. It says, 'Battle Strategies, Tactics and Planning'," Ron grinned. "Oh, and there's a footnote…'Regular games of Chess with the headmaster.' Brilliant!" "You're going to have to buckle down during the week and actually get your homework done," Hermione chided Ron whose ears began to turn pink. "Well, maybe while I'm with Dumbledore you can look over my essays to see that I've done them right," Ron countered with a smirk of his own. "I don't think so, Ron," Hermione rejoined. "I have Spell Creation with Professor Flitwick on Sunday nights and—" "Will you two save the bickering until we get back to the common room?" Ginny interrupted her annoyance plain in her voice. "I want to find out what Neville's specialty is going to be." Neville gave Ginny a grateful smile. "I'm going to study Advanced Herbology with emphasis on plant-based healing potions for field use during battle," he said proudly, "on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with Professor Sprout and Madam Pomfrey." "That's wonderful, Neville," Ginny said. "Maybe this will help you with your regular Potions lessons with Professor Snape." "I doubt that," Neville said ruefully, "but I'm glad you mentioned it. Hey, does anyone know what this Tai Chi stuff is we're all taking athalf six in the morning?" "No, but I think we're about to find out," Harry observed as the circle of chairs magically disappeared. Ming Chang called out to the group as the teachers began moving toward the door, "Everyone, I'd like your attention, please. I will be training Harry and his peers every weekday morning at half six in the antechamber off the Entrance Hall. All of you are invited to participate in our morning sessions. Please wear loose-fitting clothes you can easily move in." Some of the teachers looked mildly interested while others just shook their heads and continued out the door. She turned toward Harry, Ginny and the others. "I heard your question, Neville. What would you like to know?" Neville looked a little sheepish as he asked, "What is Tai Chi? I've heard of it before, but don't know where." Mrs. Chang smiled at the teens. "I'll be going over all that tomorrow morning. Can you wait until then?" Neville muttered, "I guess so," as he and the others nodded the affirmative. "Good. I'll see you tomorrow morning, then," Mrs. Chang told them as they prepared to leave. "Please remember to wear those comfortable clothes. We'll be doing a lot of moving." "All right," they chorused. The door had barely closed behind them when Ron groaned, "What have I gotten myself into? Lessons at half six in the morning! And before breakfast, too! Argh!" "Oh, grow up, Ron!" Hermione scoffed. "Getting up an hour early is not the end of the world." "Yes, it is!" Harry, Ron and Neville all said together causing the girls to fall into a gale of giggles which spilled out into the hallway as the gargoyle at the bottom of the spiral stairs sprang aside to let them pass. "Only you would think beauty sleep is more important than physical conditioning," Luna observed appraisingly. She stopped and gave the Gryffindors a little wave. "See you Saturday," she called and began meandering along the corridor in the direction of the library. Ginny and Harry remained standing where they were, watching her go, as Ron, Hermione and Neville headed in the opposite direction. "I'm glad Luna's willing to be part of the training," Harry murmured, his gaze still following Luna. He reached for Ginny's hand as they, too, headed toward Gryffindor tower. "Why do you say that?" inquired Ginny. "Well," he hesitated, "Luna may not believe in everything we Gryffindors stand for, but she's on our side and that has to count for something." "If Hermione can stand her twice a week, she may be able to come up with something valuable you can use." "That's a big 'if', Ginny." "I know, but Luna's the best researcher in my year, Harry. She knows the library as well as Hermione does and she's really good at Ancient Runes and Arithmancy; probably the best in the class. We all go to her for hel—" Harry silenced Ginny's recital by placing a finger gently on her lips. "Ginny," he said, "I like Luna. I trust Luna and that's good enough for me." "Oh, but—" "No 'buts', Ginny. Talking about Luna can wait. This can't…" He suddenly dropped his bag to pull her into an alcove behind a statue and began to kiss her passionately while tangling his free hand in the hair at the nape of her neck. "Oh, Merlin, Ginny! I love you so much!" he breathed into her hair. He kissed her again before pulling back to gaze into her eyes, his own green ones considerably darkened by the passion Ginny saw in them. "Thank you for what you said up there in Dumbledore's office. I don't know how I can every repay you for the pledge you made today. It means so much…I'll do everythi—" He stopped abruptly as Ginny repeated his gesture from earlier with her own finger. "Stay alive, Harry. That's all I ask," Ginny whispered urgently. "I'll try," Harry said, "but I'm not guaranteeing that Volde--" "Mr. Potter! Miss Weasley! Come out of there this minute!" Professor McGonagall commanded as she poked her head around the statue at them her eyes blazing. Reluctantly, Ginny released Harry's waist as he slipped his hands from under her hair. They picked up their bags and joined their head of house in the corridor. "Why aren't the two of you down in the Great Hall? Dinner is nearly over!" Harry glance at his watch. "We were talking and lost track of time," he said defensively. "Hmph! The number of times you and Mr. Weasley gave me that excuse in your first year…I should have turned you two into pocket watches then just so you'd get to class on time! Perhaps I should carry through with that wish now?" "No need, professor. We'll be going now," Harry said solemnly as Ginny giggled nervously. "Good. Run along, then," the professor told them. As they passed her she added, "Oh, Miss Weasley…The next time you and Miss Granger wish to brew a potion together you may use the empty dorm room at the bottom of the girls stairway in Gryffindor tower. No one should bother you down there and it's much safer than trying to work in the second floor girls' lavatory." Wide-eyed, Ginny turned and sputtered, "Thank you, Professor. I'll keep that in mind." *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* Ginny was more than a little worried about how she was going to get all her homework done with the added chores she would be facing during her detention with Professor Snape after dinner that evening. After a quick meal with Harry, she rushed off to the dungeons without telling him where she was going. She didn't want to have to tell him that she was using contraband ingredients to make him feel better! She shouldn't have worried, though, because she surprised herself by actually enjoying the time she spent in the potions dungeon. During the first two hours, Professor Snape tried to repulse her and Colin by making them prepare piles of different animal innards for that week's potions assignments. After the first few minutes of becoming used to the smells and the textures, Ginny began to enjoy the repetitive motions she was using in her preparations. As long as she kept up a rhythm, she was able to let her mind drift off on its own accord: even the professor's biting commentary didn't faze her and eventually Professor Snape gave up trying to upset her and went back to correcting his parchments. He dismissed the pair after only three hours and Ginny was able to complete her assignments before going to bed even though Harry had been quite concerned about her absence. "Ginny, I've been looking for you all evening," he said as she climbed through the portrait hole five minutes after curfew. "Where were you?" She hesitated, then said, "Well, if you must know, I was in detention with Professor Snape." "Why didn't you tell me?" "I'm a little embarrassed about it, okay?" "I'm sorry, Ginny. I reckon he's just as rotten to you as he is to me and I just hope he wasn't too hard on you tonight." Ginny smiled. "It wasn't that bad, really. Once I got over being squeamish and got into a rhythm, ingredient-preparation wasn't much worse than cooking at home." Harry looked sceptical. "I don't believe that." Ginny looked at her watch. "Well, it's true. And what's also true is that I have to get my Herbology essay finished for tomorrow," she said as she plunked herself down across from Hermione who waved at her over a pile of books. Harry sat down as well and with a shake of his head, turned back to his own homework. *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* Ginny woke up with a start. Something had startled her out of a restless sleep peppered with nightmares about being on the wrong end of Lucius Malfoy's and Bellatrix Lestrange's wands. She sat up shakily and hugged her knees as she looked for the source of the disturbance. A softly twittered hoot caught her attention and Ginny turned to find Hedwig perched on the headboard of her bed. "Where'd you come from, girl?" Ginny asked holding out her arm. "Did Harry send you?" The elegant white owl hopped onto the new perch and extended her leg. A small piece of parchment was attached and Ginny retrieved it as she asked, "Why is he up at this hour of the night, Hedwig?" The owl fluffed her feathers as if to say, "I don't know," and flew from the bed through a small opening in the hangings without waiting for a reply or an owl treat. Curious, Ginny unfolded the hastily scribbled note. Ginny, Meet me in the common room. We need to talk. Harry Ginny frowned at the cryptic note and slid out of bed. On a hunch she pulled two vials of the Draught of Peace from her trunk and headed downstairs. She felt shaky enough from the dream herself to warrant taking a dose, but for some reason she wanted someone with her at least this first time. Maybe if they took the potion together she wouldn't feel so apprehensive. Harry had lit a fire and was pacing in front of it when Ginny entered the common room. He looked up at her approach and when she was near enough, enfolded his girlfriend in a warm hug. "Harry, you're trembling!" Ginny exclaimed. "What's wrong?" "I can't help it. I never meant for you to have dreams like that!" he nearly wailed, clutching her more tightly to him. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry!" In an effort to comfort him, Ginny began tracing slow circles on his back with one hand. "It's all right, Harry. You have nothing to apologize for," she soothed. "How do you know about my dreams?" "I—I think you shared them with me," he murmured. "I was thinking about you before I went to bed and after I'd gone to sleep I began picking up scattered images." "What did you see?" Ginny inquired. Harry thought a moment. "Tom Riddle coming out of the diary." "That's one of my more common dreams, Harry. What else?" "Lucius Malfoy. He was pointing his wand at you. He muttered something, a spell I think, but that's all I saw." "That's a new one tonight. Were there more?" "There was something about the Department of Mysteries and then a long one in a forest." Harry hesitated and Ginny suspected that the dream she'd been having about being cornered by Dementors, then having to face the two people she was most terrified of—Bellatrix Lestrange and Voldemort—had scared him as much as it had her. "Go on." "You were surrounded by Dementors. Something other than a Patronus made them drift away. I couldn't see who pointed a wand at you, but you were clearly petrified. You yelled something and, and that's all I remember except maybe some pain. Did the dream continue?" Ginny nodded her head. "Yeah, it did. I was facing Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange. Bellatrix had her wand on me. She cast a couple of curses I couldn't block fast enough, but I don't remember what happened next since Hedwig woke me up," she admitted sadly. She looked up into his eyes as she whispered sincerely, "Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry you had to see that." He backed away from her and went back to pacing before looking at her with an agonized expression on his face. "It's still all my fault, Ginny. If you weren't involved with me you'd be free of those nightmares!" Ginny froze at his words, anger clouding her pretty face. Suddenly, she stormed over to Harry and grabbed a handful of his pyjama shirt pulling him over to the nearest sofa where she proceeded to clamber onto the cushions without letting go of him. Looking down into his startled eyes, she began attacking him verbally. "Now you listen to me, Harry James Potter!" she hissed savagely. "You are not going to feel guilty about my nightmares! Do you hear me? Those dreams are my responsibility, my way of coping with the events of this war. If my unconscious mind chooses to come to terms with decisions I have made during my waking hours by giving me nightmares, then so be it. I accept that, Harry, and you need to, too." She released her hold on his shirtfront but continued to hold his attention as she said a little more calmly, "Harry, love, I realize that you're still in recovery from your depression over losing Sirius and that there are bound to be setbacks. But this doesn't have to be one of them." Harry looked at her with a shocked expression on his face. "Recovery?" "Yes, Harry, recovery. That's what the Muggle psycho-analyst Dad talked to said you were going through." Harry was clearly angry as he asked, "When did he talk to this person?" Ginny chose her words carefully as she answered, "About three months ago. I heard Mum and Dad talking late one night when Ron and I went home for that weekend in November. It was one of the deciding factors that resulted in all of us going to the Burrow in December." "Does your dad know about the contents of the Prophecy? Do you think he would have said something about it?" Harry asked suspiciously. Ginny shook her head. "I don't think so. I believe he thought you were mainly still grieving for Sirius. I think he told Mum that he ran into the analyst in the course of one of his investigations and asked a few general questions to help him cope with your situation." As Harry began backing away from her she continued, "He thinks of you as his seventh son, Harry. Anything that hurts you affects him. He needed some answers and talked with someone he trusted just in case you needed someone other than Professor Dumbledore to talk to." Harry stood frozen in place, his eyes wide behind his glasses. "His seventh son…" he whispered. "Blimey! How did I deserve that?" Ginny jumped off the sofa and went to him. "You're Ron's best mate and you love me. That's how, you silly boy!" she answered him teasingly. When he closed his eyes and let out a huge sigh she said, "I hope you're feeling better about all this." With another sigh Harry said, "I guess I have to be. But something still bothers me." "What's that?" "How did I come to view your dreams in the first place?" "I have no idea. Maybe it's something we should talk to Professor Dumbledore or Professor Lupin about the next time we see them." "All right," Harry agreed finally. "It's just that some strange things have started happening lately. I suppose I'll just add sharing your nightmares to the list of things I need to talk about with one or the other of them." Ginny smiled up at the young wizard she loved so much. "Thank you for being so concerned about me, Harry. It means a lot, you know," she told him sincerely. "You're welcome, love," he said taking her into his arms. They shared another embrace as Ginny nestled her ear against Harry's chest. She could hear his heart beating and it filled her with a sense of security she remembered from hearing her mother's heart when she had still been small enough to sit in the comfort of her mother's lap. At length, Harry loosened his grasp and leaned back to plant a kiss on the top of Ginny's head. "I hate to let you go, but six o'clock is only four hours away and I need to get some sleep," he said ruefully. Ginny stifled a yawn and pecked Harry on the cheek before walking over to the stairs that led to her dormitory. "Good night, then, Harry. Sleep well," she called softly. "See you in the morning, Ginny," Harry's voice floated toward her from his side of the stairwell. Back in her dormitory, Ginny sat on the edge of her bed and uncorked one of the vials of the Draught of Peace. Although she was no longer bothered by the dreams themselves, the fact that she had shared them with Harry was disturbing enough to override the fact that she was about to take a potion not authorized by Madam Pomfrey. Wondering absently whether this was how Harry had felt the other night, she raised the vial to her lips and drained it in one big gulp, a technique she had perfected as a child when her mum made her take vile-tasting elixirs when she was feeling ill. The Draught didn't have too bad a taste as far as potions went and it began slowly taking effect as she put the remaining vial back in her trunk and climbed back into bed. Soon the sense of security she had felt downstairs in Harry's arms came over her again and she was able to close her eyes and drift off to sleep. *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* It was a distinctly bleary-eyed group of students that assembled in the anti-chamber off the Entrance Hall at half six on Tuesday morning. To Ginny's surprise, Luna showed up saying that since she was included in the other major group activity she had decided to be part of this one as well. "Besides," she added to no one in particular, "My father's planning another excursion to the Himalayas this summer and I need to be in shape for all the walking." The others just nodded as the boys went back to inspecting the insides of their eyelids. "Welcome to Tai Chi," Mrs. Chang greeted them as she strode briskly into the room. She walked quickly over to stand in front of a lightly snoring Harry. She pulled out her wand and cast a quick series of spells which caused him to wake up quickly, his eyes wide open. "No snoring in my classroom, Mr. Potter! Up and at 'em!" Hermione poked Ginny with her elbow. "I bet you'll want to learn those spells. They could come in handy sometime, ya know." Ginny grinned mischievously but said nothing. Mrs. Chang now pointed her wand at the middle of the empty room and quickly conjured several large mats. She removed her travelling cloak and walked to the centre of the room and sat down. "Come have a seat," she called as she adjusted the black sash on what Ginny had begun to think of as her white pyjamas. When the group was settled in a semi-circle in front of her she said, "Before we get started I want to tell you a little about what you're going to be learning each morning. First of all, Professor Dumbledore thought it might be a good idea for all of you to participate together in a stress-relieving activity; something in which you are active but that also doesn't seem to be related at first to the other extra training you are receiving." She looked pointedly at Harry who shifted under her gaze. "Secondly, the more you ask of your bodies physically, the more focussed your mind tends to become. The study of Tai Chi does just that. As we train the body into various positions and learn to focus the mind on tranquil thoughts, your focus in other subjects will increase as well. Any questions so far?" Neville raised his hand. "Do you have to be a good fighter or duellist to succeed at Tai Chi?" he asked. "No, actually you don't, Mr. Longbottom," Mrs. Chang. "Tai Chi can be thought of as a type of standing meditation. It's slow and requires concentration which in turn builds confidence and balance within and without the body. Here. Let me show you." She stood gracefully and took what could only be a fighting stance. Then, she began to move in slow, fluid movements, twisting first one way, then the other and shifting her weight from one foot to the next. Ginny and the others watched the demonstration in fascination until Neville exclaimed happily, "I've seen this somewhere! I think it's something I can do!" Mrs. Chang beamed at him. "Now that's the kind of attitude I'm looking for, young man!" she exclaimed bringing her movements to a stop. "Everyone, please get you your feet. Normally I would start the lesson with five minutes of silent meditation, but since I sense that at least Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley have all ready done their morning's meditation," a comment which caused everyone to chuckle as Ron's ears turned scarlet, "let's begin with learning some of the basic movements. Then, if there's time, we can begin to put them together." The remainder of the lesson was spent in fierce concentration as Mrs. Chang walked amongst the group correcting postures and making encouraging comments. By the end of the hour Ginny's thigh muscles had begun to burn and she was more than a little discouraged. She had always thought she had good balance, especially on a broom, but at the moment, she wasn't so sure. Her uncertainty must have shown on her face because Mrs. Chang sat down on the floor and asked for questions or feedback the group. Luna, who had hardly said a thing the entire hour, was the first to raise her hand. "Is it true that the ancient Chinese were taught these poses by the animals? If so, which ones were they?" she asked. Ginny caught Harry and Ron exchanging eye rolls as Mrs. Chang answered, "No, my dear. The thirteen basic postures we learned today were first formulated by a man named Chang Sang-feng around 1420 to simulate animal movements. They were later linked together into the forms we will be learning in future lessons. If you're interested, I have several books on Tai Chi history which may give you the information you need." Luna looked slightly disappointed as she murmured, "Thanks. I'll consider that." As she spoke, her normally vague look took over and Ginny could tell she was thinking of other things all ready. "Will this get any easier?" Neville asked quietly. Mrs. Chang smiled at him. "As with anything worth learning, Tai Chi is difficult at first. In time I'm certain you will find a balance within yourself that will allow you to learn without falling over," she responded teasing Neville gently. Neville grinned sheepishly as his friends smiled self-consciously. Ginny was rather grateful that their new instructor was taking him seriously and thought Harry, Ron and Hermione were of the same opinion. At one point or another on this first morning, they had all ended up on their backsides and there had been a lot of nervous laughter. "Should we do warm-up exercises before we come tomorrow?" Hermione asked next. "That won't be necessary. There will be warm-up and focus sets built into every session. Eventually we will be working in complete silence or with the addition of some calming music," Mrs. Chang told the group. "Are there any more questions? No? Then I'll see you tomorrow morning." As the six students moved toward the door Mrs. Chang called, "Ginny, Harry may I have a word, please?" Ginny asked Hermione to save her a seat at breakfast then joined Harry where he was seated on the floor with Mrs. Chang. "I asked you to stay because I sense the two of you have reservations about why Tai Chi is being included in your training," Mrs. Chang said looking pointedly at Harry. Ginny didn't say anything as she toyed with a loose thread in the hem of the warm-up jacket she wore; the jacket was one of her favourites, a hand-me-down from Charlie who had given it to her when she had joined the Quidditch team last year. She felt comfortable in it and at the moment was considering lending it to Harry who had tensed up immeasurably at Mrs. Chang's candour. She wondered how irritated Harry was going to sound when he finally said something. "It's not that I didn't have fun this morning," he began. "I'm just wondering why we're not learning a more violent form of martial arts. I mean, wouldn't learning hand to hand combat be more suited to fighting this war?" Mrs. Chang sat thoughtfully for a full minute before she answered, "Indeed it would, and if that's what you desire to learn in addition to what I have been instructed to teach you I would be willing to do so. However, from what Professor Dumbledore has told me, Harry, it seems that learning to focus your energy, especially angry or negative energy, is what you really need. In Tai Chi the student first learns to channel such energy and use it constructively instead of destructively. Holding anger inside oneself upsets the energy balance within the body. The more you practice the Tai Chi forms the more in control of yourself you will become." Ginny thought she understood what Mrs. Chang was saying. "So would learning to centre oneself be beneficial to the study of Occlumency?" she inquired. Mrs. Chang smiled. "Yes, Ginny. The physical aspect gives the body something to do while the mind rids itself of negative energy and emotion." "So why aren't we learning to do this at the end of the day?" Harry asked. "I'd think that practicing calming down would be better for going to sleep when I seem to need it the most." "Most people practice Tai Chi in the morning to bring a positive balance to the rest of the day. You can do some of the meditation exercises before bed if you think it's necessary, although I had the impression that Remus Lupin was going to cover that aspect in your Occlumency lessons." "It might not hurt to try a combination of the various methods until you find something that works," Ginny told him quietly. "Keeping an open mind about closing your mind may take a while. Trying different methods at different times of the day may be what you need to shut Voldemort out and who knows … they might just improve your outlook on the situation!" Harry was silent for a moment. "All right," he said finally. "I reckon I am feeling a little more optimistic about the rest of the day." He snorted. "Maybe, though, it's mainly because I just realized that today is a Snape-free day: no Potions!" This struck Ginny as rather funny and she giggled softly into her hand. Leave it to Harry to express his optimism in potions terms! Mrs. Chang smiled, too, and remarked, "That is definitely something we'll have to consider. I may question you later on one of the days you have double Potions with Professor Snape." Harry looked annoyed. "Fair enough," he responded. "Now, did I hear you correctly that Tai Chi will be useful in my Occlumency? Does Remus approve?" "He seems to. Both he and Professor Dumbledore are opposed to your method of exhausting yourself in order to have a nightmare-free night's slumber. I think you'll soon realize the advantages of movement-based meditation once we begin exploring the role of the chi in the body." "Chi?" Harry and Ginny asked together. "Yes, the positive energy I spoke of earlier. The Chinese believe the chi is an essential force that animates the body. It circulates in patterns flowing through the nerve paths and cardiovascular system. When the chi is balanced, the body is healthy." "So you're telling me that right now my chi isn't balanced?" Harry queried. "I wonder why?" he added sarcastically. Ginny shook her head at Harry's rudeness and tried to change the subject. "Will we be learning more about this tomorrow?" "A little," Mrs. Chang said following Ginny's lead. "There are a few things we all need to learn before we go into this subject much further." She now summoned a quill and some parchment from her cloak. The fact that the quill was acid green in colour didn't seem to go over too well with Harry in his present frame of mind. "Is that what I think it is?" he asked warily, an eyebrow ascending into his hair. "If you mean a Quick Quotes Quill, yes, it is. However, this one records only what is said and will not invent its own sentences." Harry's eyebrow descended gradually into its natural position. "All right," he said slowly. "Can we test it first?" Mrs. Chang wet the end of the quill and set it on its point over the parchment. "Make columns 'Ginny' and 'Harry'. Record single word responses," she instructed clearly. The quill wrote the two names and then otherwise remained motionless. Mrs. Chang looked up at the two students in front of her. "I will call out a word. Please say the first idea that comes to mind. Banana." "Pie," volunteered Ginny. "Monkey," said Harry. The quill inscribed the words in the appropriate columns, and then waited, poised over the parchment, for the next entry. Mrs. Chang slid the parchment from under its point and handed the paper to Harry. He scanned it, nodded, and then passed it over to Ginny who glanced at it before handing it back to the other witch. "Shall we begin?" When the two teens nodded, she pulled out her wand and cast a privacy bubble over the three of them—Ginny could see the rainbow hues shimmering in the sunlight coming in through the windows and wondered absently whether or not a pair of Fred and George's Extendable Ears could penetrate the sphere. Next, Mrs. Chang said, "I'm now going to set up personal secrecy cubes. The quill will record your responses, but none of us will hear the other's answers. If you wish, I will show you the response sheet at the end." With that, three transparent boxes flew out of her wand and settled over the occupants of the bubble. The silence inside was complete, but Ginny felt very relaxed and eager to see what would happen next. She glanced at Harry who seemed a little anxious. Without thinking, Ginny extended her hand through the barrier and grasped Harry's hand. His shoulders lost some of their tension at her touch. "Ready?" Mrs. Chang's voice interrupted their exchange. "First word…broom." As Ginny answered "flight", her attention rested on the quill as it skated across the parchment. Nothing appeared under either her or Harry's name, though. Total privacy…hmmm. I like that, she thought and readied herself for the next word. Two minutes later Mrs. Chang lifted the secrecy cubes and handed the parchment to Harry. Ginny scooted closer to him and peered over his shoulder at the table which was now filled with their responses. WORD ASSOCIATIONS HARRY POTTER AND GINEVRA WEASLEY Ginny Harry broom flight freedom chocolate frogs Dementors Quidditch Ron Ron quill homework Rita Skeeter The Burrow home acceptance Hogwarts school home Ron Weasley brother brother Hermione Granger friend sister Neville Longbottom determined emerging Luna Lovegood brilliant observant myself confident uncertain family security loathing Professor Dumbledore beard manipulative war family unfair Chamber of Secrets diary rescue Triwizard Tournament anxiety dragon parents supportive gone Thestral scary transportation homework Hermione Hermione headquarters gloomy Sirius Ginny looked up at Mrs. Chang. "This seems to reflect how we were brought up. I would have thought Harry and I would have more in common," she commented cocking her head to one side. "Miss Weasley, I see much more than the three common responses. I see your life experiences, your hopes, your insecurities, your humour. Does Miss Granger possibly hound her group of friends to get their homework done?" "Yes!" Harry and Ginny practically yelled and then fell into mirthful giggles before Harry asked solemnly, "What will you do with this?" Wariness and curiosity warred for dominance in his face. "Not much right away until I have the responses from all six of you. Then I will study the group's dynamics and determine the best possible methods for teaching you and making Tai Chi something you might wish to pursue even after Hogwarts." "What will become of the data you collect on us?" "Mr. Potter, I will treat these files as I would any patient's on the Janus Thickey ward: with the strictest privacy charms I can cast without resorting to blood magic. Only you and I can open your file." "How do I know you won't share the information with Rita Skeeter and company? I'm not too fond of reporters after what she did to me summer before last." "You'll have to trust me on that, Mr. Potter. I give you my word that I will never breach the oath of privacy I took over twenty years ago. Nothing is more important than my patients' privacy—yes, for now you and your friends are my 'patients'—and that is why I cast the privacy bubble over us. "Part of what I must teach you and what you must be open-minded enough to learn is trust." Harry lowered his head and sighed at her words. "It's hard sometimes, Mrs. Chang, for me to trust people…especially after last June." "I understand, Mr. Potter. I'm here because I know I can help you with your preparations. You've been dealt a bad hand many times in your young life and have a great responsibility to fulfil. Part of completing that responsibility has to do with trust: I think you will need to rely on your support system through your final confrontation." When Harry didn't respond she continued, "I have one last question. The response this time must be in full sentences and will be recorded on the parchment. Again, you may review the responses when we are finished. I'll lower the cubes now…" The boxes settled over their heads as the quill stood once again on its point. When all was quiet, the question that rang out in Ginny's box startled her a little: "What scares you the most about Voldemort?" Ginny took her time answering, carefully wording her sentences to make certain her thoughts were true to her beliefs. When the parchment was passed to her the question and both responses were recorded there: Ginny Weasley: Voldemort scares me because he can control people through possession and the Imperious Curse. I know what he is capable of doing to people and I never want to feel that powerless again. Harry Potter: I'm not afraid of Voldemort himself. Instead, I'm scared of what he can do with a wand. He's a powerful wizard and I'm…I'm just sixteen…I don't know enough magic to fight such a powerful, dark wizard and survive… A lump had risen in Ginny's throat as she read her boyfriend's response. As quickly as she could without arousing Harry's suspicions, she handed the parchment back to Mrs. Chang and moved to vacate her cube, intending to step out of the room to collect her emotions. "Ginny, please be seated again," Mrs. Chang requested. "I'd like you to be part of the last of our discussion." Ginny returned to her cube to find the side between her and Harry had become opaque. Grateful that Harry could no longer see her cry she let the sobs come. She cried for his lost innocence, she cried for her own; she cried because of Harry's bravado and her own seeming temerity; she cried mostly because even with the assurances of the last few days, Harry still seemed to think he alone had to fight a madman. Suddenly, a large hand snaked its way through the barrier to clutch at her hand. Ginny squeezed back and almost instantly began to sense, rather than hear, Harry say, I'm sorry, Ginny. I know you're upset by my response, but she did ask us to be honest. Everyone expects me to be Superman, but that's not who I am. To you and my friends I want to be 'just Harry' and nothing more. Please don't worry about me, Ginny. I've done enough of that for both of us. Ginny squeezed the hand she held and thought, I'll try, Harry. I'll try. She closed her other hand around he angel pendant and felt the original, familiar magic reassuring her as the privacy cube ceased to exist. "Hey, you two. This is no time for being all gloomy. We have a goal to work for which is a start in a positive direction. Besides, it's no fair keeping secrets from the shrink!" Mrs. Chang interrupted with a smile. "It's almost time for breakfast and you still have to change." Ginny turned to Harry and asked, "What's a shrink?" "It's Muggle for Mind Healer or psycho-analyst; a rather derogatory term, I'd say," Mrs. Chang answered for him as she rolled up the parchment and murmured a spell over it. The thick paper glowed orange for a split second before returning to its original colour. "Dudley's school nurse wants him to see a shrink because he's such a bully," Harry volunteered with a snort of disgust. "As if something like that would help his attitude." Mrs. Chang extinguished to torches and put on her cloak. "Before I go, I'd like to apply a Cheering Charm to each of you that will last the rest of the day…it might help with Ginny's reaction to your response, Harry." Without waiting for him to reply, Mrs. Chang flicked her wand first at Ginny, then at Harry, and Ginny immediately felt more a little more positive about what they had discussed. "Run along, now. I don't want you to be late for your first lesson…especially since it's a Professor Snape-free day for Harry," Mrs. Chang teased lightly. Ginny and Harry joined her in the Entrance Hall. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow morning then," she said and a moment later the oak front doors closed with a solid thud that felt satisfyingly safe to Ginny. Harry steered her now toward the marble staircase. "Race you back to the tower," he challenged. "You're on!" Ginny responded and began running up the staircase with Harry in hot pursuit. *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* Just before curfew that evening Harry dropped his rucksack on the floor of the common room next to Ginny's table with a resounding thud and sank into a chair next to her with a poorly disguised groan. "What did I get myself into?" he asked his shoes as he let his head contact the table with another loud thump. "I take it your first fencing lesson wasn't too successful," Ginny commented setting her quill next to her Potions book. "Tonks was brutal! I ache in places I didn't know I had muscles!" Neville exclaimed as he joined them. He turned to Harry and said, "Ron's still with Madam Pomfrey having her look at his knee. He said to go on to bed without him because Hermione's with him." Ginny looked at Neville in alarm. "What did he do? Is he seriously hurt?" she asked rising. Harry laid a restraining hand on her shoulder and forced her to sit down again. "He'll be all right. Ron just twisted around funny and we all heard his knee pop. Tonks told him to go have it looked at just in case," he informed her reassuringly. "Well, if you're sure…" Ginny hedged still more than a little concerned. Then, she queried, "Other than that, how was it? I take it you three saw lots of action tonight." "You could say that," Harry said as he pulled a book and a half-completed essay from his bag and placed them on the table with a groan. He reached up and massaged the muscles of his upper right arm. "I never knew a sword could be so heavy." "Not even Godric Gryffindor's?" Ginny asked, one eyebrow raised. As Harry shook his head Neville informed her, "Tonks demonstrated three different methods of sword fighting and had each of us learn a few of the basics of each. She put the three of us on our backsides more times than I care to count." "Do you think it might be useful?" "Yeah, I do," Neville agreed. "There's a type of Chinese fighting technique—I don't remember the name—that uses long or short poles. That might come in handy sometime since I'm not so good with a wand." "Balderdash!" interjected Harry. "You got two E's in Defence last year and you were damn good at the Department of Mysteries!" "I agree, Neville," Ginny said adding her two Knuts worth. "Well, in that case…" Neville hedged. Further conversation was curtailed as the portrait hole opened and Hermione stepped through before she turned to help Ron over the threshold. Ginny stood up and quickly crossed the common room to lend a hand in steadying her brother. "Are you all right?" she asked him as the three made their way unhurriedly toward the door to the boys' staircase. "I'll be fine tomorrow, Ginny," Ron told her as he grabbed for the railing. "Hermione promised Madam Pomfrey that she'd cast one last healing spell before I went to sleep tonight." Hermione eyed Ron suspiciously as she told Ginny, "Your brother refused to stay over night in the hospital wing when Madam Pomfrey insisted he do so after one of her healing spells didn't seem to do any good." "I see," Ginny said trying hard to keep her voice steady and not laugh in her brother's face. "Well, then I'd better let you two get upstairs. G'night, Ron. Sweet dreams," she added slyly as the two began the slow ascent to the sixth year dormitory. "What was that all about?" Neville inquired. Ginny let her laughter have a free reign before she mastered her voice enough to choke out, "Ron's perfectly all right. He's just taking full advantage of Hermione's ministrations and milking the situation for all it's worth!" Harry smirked at Neville who seemed slow on the uptake. The other boy suddenly shook his head and murmured, "Oh my!" before chuckling himself. The other two joined in and it was a few minutes before the three at the table calmed down enough to return to their homework. *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* Her angel pendent began vibrating violently on Thursday morning at the end of Ginny's Herbology class. Harry's in trouble! she thought. Something was going terribly wrong with Harry, but because she couldn't dare to skive off this review session, Ginny placed a hand on her necklace and sent a few calming thoughts to Harry through the angel. She hoped it would work… *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* "Did you hear the explosion?" "How could you miss it? The whole castle shook!" "Is it true there's a hole in the ceiling?" "Yeah, but it's completely blocked by furniture that got stuck together after a cauldron blasted through!" "How'd that happen?" "Something exploded in the Potions dungeon." "Duh! Which year's responsible…first?" "No, sixth!" "What were the sixth years working on?" "Sticking Solution." "Oh, wicked! What happened?" "Harry Potter blew up the Potions classroom!" The news spread like wildfire. Indeed, it was true that there was a hole in the ceiling. It was also true that the entire classroom was covered in a substance so sticky that it defied even Mrs. Scower's Magical Mess Remover which had Mr. Filch in a horrid frame of mind. Moreover, several students, mostly Slytherins, were nursing minor burns where the hot liquid had scorched them. What was worse, though, was Professor Snape's fate; he was said to be sticking to the sheets of a cot in the hospital wing with his eyes and mouth glued shut. "What did Snape do to Potter to get him that angry?" "Rumour has it that Snape was needling Potter as usual about something. Then he took it up a notch." "And ka-boom! Every cauldron in the classroom belched its potion and the whole mess drenched Professor Snape!" "You should've seen it…the stuff just rolled off his hair and stuck to everything else!" The corridors resounded with laughter. "I always knew Snape was a greasy git. This just proves it!" End of Part Six A/N: Many thanks to my readers who take the time to review. It means so much to have your reactions, comments and questions because I have been able to fill several plot holes from reading your reactions. I also appreciate the time Aggiebell takes to make sure all my "i's" are dotted, "t's" are crossed, "p's and q's" are minded and commas make an appearance once in a while!
|