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Author: Jedione Story: Epiphany Rating: Everyone Setting: Pre-HBP Status: Completed Reviews: 8 Words: 25,711
For those of you that have been waiting so patiently for Chapter 4, I thank you for understanding. Life unfortunately got in the way a few times since chapter 3 was posted, but at long last my Muse has returned from the Caribbean Cruise she went on. I hope you enjoy this chapter and I will try to have the final chapter done by Christmas of this year. Thanks to Kelleypen, my wonderful pre-beta, and of course, Bring and Fly, my wonderful beta. Now then, at long last, please enjoy Epiphany Chapter 4.
Harry sat in his bed thinking. How can I get her measurements? There must be some way to do this without tipping her off as to who I am. I could ask Hermione to find out, but it would give away too much if Hermione asked her that. Ron would have no idea either, and I’m not sure how he would handle it anyway. --I know he’ll find out eventually, but I don’t want to deal with it right now… I’ve GOT IT, but no, that would be very dangerous --although it would give me the most accurate information. If I can sneak into the girls’ dormitory, without the steps folding up on me or wards going off, I could get them myself. Surely the map would have some way to do it. A secret passage into their dorms maybe, but then I’d have to make sure that no girls are there, or else I might find more than I want to find. No that’s just too difficult, and too risky. I wonder if I spoke to Mrs. Weasley--- would she have them?--but then she would know that I want to be Ginny’s date to the Yule Ball. WAIT better still! The DA! Of course! If I can convince Professor Dumbledore and the heads of houses that we should have a dueling club and that we need dueling robes, maybe even suggest a DADA tournament, so there is another sporting event besides Quidditch. It would also be good for the war effort! That’s perfect. It will take a little time to set up, but then I could get Ginny’s measurements from that and no one would know that it was the way I feel about Ginny that spurred my idea. It will help a lot of people a lot of ways. I’ll do it! Pushing past Ron and Hermione through the portrait hole and left the common room and made a dash for the Headmaster’s office. "Harry! Are you all right, mate?" Ron yelled after him. "Fine, I gotta go!" Harry yelled over his shoulder. He turned his head forward again, but it was too late: THUMP! He slammed into Ginny! His Quidditch reflexes took over, however, and he reached out his right hand to catch her. His hand closed around her woolen jumper, and he pulled her towards him right over her —Oops— He flushed redder than her hair. He let go from the shock, but unfortunately this had another effect. Ginny who was now off balance from his pulling was leaning forward, and Harry was leaning back just enough. He fell backwards, and Ginny fell right on top of him. Her face was so close to his that he could feel the heat of her breath on his lips and smell peppermint. He scrambled away, crawling on his back in total surprise and utter shock. His face glowed bright red, but he was not alone. Ginny too glowed with embarrassment. The two of them quickly untangled themselves from each other and got to their feet. "S...s...orry Ginny, are you o...okay?" Harry asked in a squeaky voice. "I...I...’m fine Harry. Did I hurt you?" she asked, finding the floor fascinating just now. "No, I’m okay Ginny, and you? Um...I mean are you hurt?" he responded. "I’m fine," she said brushing off the imaginary dust that was on her jeans. "I was just going to go and give Isis some food. What were you in such a hurry about?" "Oh... I need to talk with Professor Dumbledore, about something." He felt like a world class idiot just now. I can’t believe I did that and I felt...her...her. Suddenly he realized something about how much he fancied her and it was clear that she would too unless he did something to hide it. He looked into her eyes and prayed she would do the same so her attention would be on his face. Then he put his hands in his pockets, continuing their conversation. Ginny looked into his deep green eyes and pointed to her own forehead. "Is it about him?" "Huh... oh no, it’s just an idea that I had to start the dueling club again." Harry gained his composure from the idea, and his mind began to work once more. "So, Ginny, have you received anything from your admirer recently?" "No, nothing yet." Ginny put on a dreamy smile, "I’m sure I’ll get something soon though. Whoever he is he sure knows how to get to a girl. I can’t wait to find out who he is," she said with a far away look in her eyes. Harry swallowed a lump in his throat over the faraway look in Ginny’s eyes, and stifled a grin. "I want to find out who he is too, because if it turns out to be Malfoy I want to see how hard you’ll dump him. The slimy git," Harry added acidly. Ginny looked a little irritated by his remark. "You know Harry, if it is him, maybe I’ll have to give him a chance. Anyone who would spend money like that for a girl has to have some redeeming qualities," she said sweetly. Harry was dumbfounded. "Ginny, since when are you impressed by money," he said more harshly than intended. "I’m not, Harry!" she snapped back. "I meant to send gifts like that took a generous heart; the money means nothing. He could have sent rocks, and I would have been happy because of how he’s done it. There’s just something special in the process; it took time and planning, and the notes have been wonderful. I like the way they were written, and the words that he used. The right words to the right kind of girl go a long way. Anyway I’ll talk to you later, Harry. Besides, as I recall you were in a big hurry weren’t you?" she replied rather tartly. "Now, I have to go find Isis. I’m sure she’s hung -" "Mew." Isis’ squeak sounded behind them. " -- gry. There you are little one." Ginny scooped up the kittling from behind them, turning her back on Harry. "She’s growing nicely; what is she about thirteen weeks old now?" Harry asked in an attempt to smooth things over between them "About fourteen actually: assuming she was weaned at six weeks like most kittens. Anyway I’ll talk to you later, Harry; she’s hungry," she said, and then, carrying Isis cradled in her arms, turned toward the common room. Harry felt a weight growing in his chest. Bloody Malfoy, the git! Harry’s mood began to turn foul, until he finally realized that everything she’d said was actually about him. This made Harry feel a bit redeemed. Now to get those measurements. Harry turned around and walked around a corner, bumping in to Zacharius Smith "Sorry Zack, are you okay?" "Fine!" he said glaring at Harry. "See you later," he said, walking coldly by. "What’s with him?" Harry mumbled to himself. He shook his head to clear the thought and continued to the Headmaster’s office. Professor Dumbledore had begun the year by telling Harry his password, in case he needed to talk to the Headmaster. Harry walked up to the gargoyle, said "Canary Cream," and the gargoyle jumped aside to reveal the spiral staircase that lead to the Headmasters office. He walked up to the door and was about to knock when the door opened on its own accord. "Come in, Harry," the old professor said. "Hello Professor," answered Harry walking in to the office. The portraits all paused and stared at Harry with interest. Harry gulped as their gaze fell upon him now feeling a bit unsure of himself beneath their scrutiny. Fawkes cried out to Harry and seemed to raise a wing in a wave, which helped bolster his courage. Harry glanced around the now familiar office at the magical treasures within. They never ceased to amaze him and today were no different. Harry saw that the Pensieve was out and the Headmaster’s wispy, silver-white memories were, as always swirling about in random patterns. "Hello Harry, please be seated, care for a lemondrop?" he said waving his hand. A chair slid away from the desk. "What can I do for you, Harry?" "Professor, I had an idea that I wanted to ask you about," he began at his mentor’s nod. "I wanted to see if we could start up the dueling club again, but with some changes. I was thinking that if we began it we could have house competitions and tournaments--Complete with dueling robes and teams. I thought another sporting event might be a nice addition to Quidditch. It could also really help the war effort, build good teamwork, and sharpen our skills..." Harry averted his eyes for fear that the professor would see the real reason he had come up with such an idea. The old mage leaned back steepling his fingers as he mulled the idea over in his head. "I think that’s an excellent idea, Harry!" he said, his eyes twinkling. "Let me speak with the Heads of the houses and the other professors, and we’ll see how they feel about it." Harry was surprised at the Headmaster’s agreeability on the issue. He thought it would be a hard sell, but the professor gave Harry the impression that it was an excellent idea. Harry beamed at the Headmaster. "Really? You like the idea?" "As I said, I think it is a fine idea. In fact, I’m holding a staff meeting this afternoon, and I’ll bring it up then. However, Harry, I’d like you to write up your proposal and outline it so I can explain to the others how it will work. Our meeting is at half past four; that gives you about five hours to work on it. Ask your friends to help you. I should think that Miss Granger will be pleased at the idea of you suggesting this, and her organizational skills will doubtless be invaluable to you. I will also expect you to lead the club, and install a panel of officers to help you run the meetings and tournaments. Now then you have much to do: I’ll expect your draft around four so I can look it over before the meeting." Harry’s heart sunk. He didn’t want to run it or organize it; he just wanted to present the idea to the Headmaster and get permission for it. Harry stood, seeing from the twitching moustache that the Headmaster probably knew this, and much more as well. "Okay Professor, I’ll see you about four then." Professor Dumbledore leaned across the desk. "Harry -- you are perfect for this. You have the respect of most of the students, and your O.W.L score in Defense Against the Dark Arts was the highest in the school since, well, since your father was here. Your parents would be very proud of you, and so would Sirius," he said solemnly I have confidence in you, Harry. I’ll see you at four." The quiet tone was a clear dismissal, so Harry turned to leave. "Professor... thank you." The Headmaster smiled warmly, "You’re welcome Harry, and thank you for doing this." *** Harry gathered Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, together in a quiet corner of the Library and the four of them worked hard for the next four hours. Harry assigned offices to each of them: Harry was The Chairman; Ron was the Deputy Chairman; Hermione was The Executive Secretary; Ginny was Chronicler. They decided that, in all fairness, each house would have a team of six and that the other teams would have the same structure. The Heads of the Houses would of course be the Judges and final say would belong to the Headmaster. The rules were simple: each engagement would be single elimination; any spell was allowed as long as it fit within Hogwarts and Ministry guidelines. The final four winners, one from each house, would participate in a championship match with the winner receiving a dueling cup as the prize. They set up tournament brackets for the first event and proposed dueling robes marked with house colors as uniforms. Finally the time had arrived for Harry to present the proposal. Harry made his way to the Headmaster’s office his head swimming in exhilaration. Somehow in that four hours his idea had taken on a new meaning, getting Ginny’s measurements was just an exiting bonus to the club. Once at the gargoyle Harry rendered the password. Awaiting access to the Headmaster’s office at the top of the stairs the door opened, and Harry entered to find the Headmaster browsing though some notes. "Did you finish, Harry?" Dumbledore asked. "Yes Sir," Harry answered proudly. "Good, I knew you could do it, Harry. Now let’s have a look, shall we?" the old wizard said. Harry handed his file to the Professor who accepted it cheerfully. Harry sat down and waited. Harry’s mind wandered back to the four hours he had spent on this project. Ginny seemed to have forgiven Harry about their little tiff earlier, though it still eluded him as to what he had done wrong to begin with. Ron and Hermione were helpful when they weren’t bickering. Sometimes Harry wished they would just give in and have a good snog. It seemed the only ones who didn’t know that the two of them were destined to be was them. Or if they did, neither one seemed willing to concede the point. Harry cast glances at the Headmaster periodically as he read to see if he could see any of his thoughts on the ideas, but as always the Headmaster’s countenance revealed little to Harry. About half an hour later, the Headmaster stood and smiled at Harry fondly. "Excellent, excellent work; this will work very well. Tell your staff they did a splendid job. I will let you know of our decision after the staff meeting is concluded," Harry’s Mentor said. "Yes Sir." Harry stood and left the office. Harry returned to Gryffindor tower where his friends waited eagerly. Hermione leapt to her feet and stared at Harry expectantly. Ginny dropped Isis, whom she had been petting, summarily to the floor and leaned forward holding her breath. "Well?" Ron burst out, when Harry didn’t immediately speak. "He said it was excellent work and that you all did a splendid job. He’s going to present it, and he’ll send for me when the meeting is over," Harry said. Whooshes of air were heard all around. "Wonderful!" exclaimed Hermione. The others nodded in agreement and then the four sat together discussing robe design while they waited. Many designs were discussed, but the final design idea was Ginny’s. She thought the robes should be a bit loose but tailored to allow freedom of movement, but not so loose that they were baggy. The robes would be standard black; with house colors on the cuffs, hem and lapels, and the back would have the house insignia. A "quick draw" pocket would be sewn to the duelists’ dominant side at the hip so the duel would have an extra element. Ginny sketched what she had in mind and the others looked it over. Harry was unaware of Ginny’s artistic ability and was shocked that he had never seen her draw before. Her picture showed the robes on Harry and as the lines had been swept down, the picture animated and showed Harry change from a ready stance and spring into a quick draw pose. The four agreed wholeheartedly that the design was perfect. Harry felt a bit smug that Ginny had used him as a model for her picture and a warmth radiated from somewhere in his chest that had not been there before. Soon after their design meeting, Professor McGonagall showed up in the Common room. The four students jumped to their feet in response. "Mr. Potter, the Headmaster will see you now, and good work on the dueling club; fifty points to Gryffindor for your excellent ideas and work," she said with a hint of pride in her students. The four of them grinned at her and as she turned away there was a slight curve of her mouth that they glimpsed and then it was gone. Harry said, "Thank you, Professor." Then he picked up Ginny’s sketch before walking towards the Headmaster’s office. Once again, Harry found himself in the familiar circular room. Professor Dumbledore stood smiling and reached a hand out to Harry. Harry took it gladly, beaming at his Mentor. "Harry, they agreed to your proposal unanimously so congratulations are in order to you and your friends; fifty points to Gryffindor for a job well done. Do you have a robe design already?" He held out a hand and Harry, still reeling with the thought that he was now heading a formal duelling club, handed it over. "Thank you sir," Harry responded. "Professor, this is the robe design we would like." The Professor took the sketch and grinned again. The ends of his long moustache twitched merrily "This is a fine design: functional and attractive. It reminds me of my old robes back in my days as an Auror. You did a good job, Harry." "The design is Ginny’s. We just agreed with her; she did the sketch too." Harry said. "Miss Weasley did a fine job on this. Tell her she earned ten more points for Gryffindor. Now then when do you want to start?" "The sooner the better, sir. I can post the news tomorrow if that’s okay with you?" Harry answered. "That will be fine Harry. Each house will be responsible for appointing their teams rather than having tryouts, so each house should decide by majority vote. A tryout will be necessary only if there is a tie vote. If you will write up the rules and allow space for the names of the team members, then we should be ready to have the robes fitted at Gladrags by Hogsmeade weekend. Thank you for doing this, Harry, and I’ll look for the team roster soon. Have a good night Harry," the Professor finished. Harry left the office with mixed emotions. In one day’s time he managed to figure out a way to get Ginny’s measurements, started a duelling club, organized the same duelling club with his friends, became the head of the duelling club, and with the help of his friends earned one hundred and ten points for Gryffindor. Harry suddenly felt very tired and wondered what he’d got himself into... ~*~ Harry and his friends finalized everything and posted the notice the very next day. Soon crowds were gathered around the notices, and the buzz went out that each house would appoint their teams. That evening the common rooms were full of house members debating on who should be on the duelling team. For Gryffindor it was quite difficult, but in the end Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Seamus were appointed. Hufflepuff decided on Roger Davies, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Zacharius Smith, Hannah Abbot, Susan Bones, and Antonia East. Ravenclaw appointed Cho Chang, Padma Patil, Anthony Goldstein, Luna Lovegood, which caused some surprise, Michael Corner, and Marietta Edgecomb. Slytherin appointed Draco Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, and Theodore Nott. Now that the teams were chosen, it was determined that all duelists would go to Gladrags next Hogsmeade weekend to be fitted for dueling robes. The robes would not be ready for a few weeks, so it was agreed that the first match would not occur until after Christmas break. ~*~ The next week seemed to drag by as Harry waited impatiently for the Hogsmeade weekend to arrive. He was very nervous about this, because he needed to accompany Ginny to Gladrags under the guise of friendship, so he could see her measurements. Under the circumstances, he felt that Madame Malkin would probably tell him if he asked her, and he felt she would keep his secret too, but it was just easier to go with her. Harry summoned his courage and went to seek out Ginny. He guessed she would be in the common room studying or hanging out with Ron and Hermione, so he headed there first. He walked into the common room and found her dozing in a couch with a potions book in her lap. Ginny’s head had rocked back onto the back of the couch, and her book was in danger of sliding from her lap to the floor. Harry’s breath caught as he approached the couch. Her hair had tumbled out of its ponytail, and her abundant crimson locks spilled all around her head creating a living frame to her perfect face. Harry drew a sharp breath and sat down beside her; she moved slightly as he sat and her head tilted towards him. His breath caught again as the candlelight glistened off her soft moist lips. Oh how he wanted to kiss those lips. Harry watched her sleep, briefly marveling at how peaceful she looked. She was wearing the necklace he had given her, and as she drew a soft breath firelight glinted off one of the emerald eyes creating the illusion that the Griffin had winked at him. Harry reached out, a little reluctant to disturb her peaceful slumber, but he continued to reach. Just as he touched her shoulder Isis sprang from under a nearby chair and vaulted on to Harry’s lap with a quiet mew. Startled, Harry jerked his hand in reflex only to tangle his fingers in soft, luxurious, molten tresses. Ginny awoke with a gasp and reached for the offensive objects in her hair; her fingers closed around other fingers burning with warmth. Her eyes snapped open only to be lost in a pair bright green eyes gleaming like twin emeralds behind a jeweler’s display case. She felt heat jump to her face, and she imagined that Harry would have trouble telling where her hair ended and her face began. Harry blazed as red as the blanket of scarlet silk entwining his fingers. Ginny was awake and his fingers were in her hair, what’s more, her hand had grasped his fingers. Harry tried to spring from the couch, but could no longer move as her soft brown eyes now held him in a thrall. Harry no longer wanted to keep secrets as Ginny, his Ginny, surveyed his soul. He would have told her anything just then had Isis not snapped him out of his trance as she sank needle sharp claws so far into his thigh that she drew blood. Harry jerked his hand back only to pull Ginny’s hair in the process. She let out a yelp of pain, but then she softened as his hand came free. "Erm...I’m so sorry, Ginny, I was only trying to wake you, then Isis jumped, and I was startled, and my hand got stuck in your hair... if only Voldy would Apparate in and kill me right now, I could be spared this tremendous pain... then you woke up and you grabbed my fingers, and then Isis clawed, and I jerked back and...and... Oh, are you all right Gin...I’m sorry," Harry mumbled, cursing his unruly hand and the kitten now smugly licking her paws. "I’m fine Harry; it was an accident that’s all. I don’t mind...erm... I know you didn’t mean it. It was an accident." Ginny found that Isis coat was quite interesting just now... "So what did you want Harry?" she mumbled still studying Isis’ fur. "Erm..Gin...ummm...wannagohogsmeadewithmemorrow...?" Harry spat out. Ginny burned bright red. Harry just asked me out! she screamed inside herself. Then she paled and felt sick. "I’m sorry, Harry. Zacharias asked me to go with him, and I told him I would... if only Voldy would Apparate in and kill me right now, I could be spared this tremendous pain... but why don’t we get together at the Three Broomsticks after Gladrags?" Harry’s heart plummeted. I want to just tell her how I feel, but it will be better if I tell her at the ball...so I how do I get her measurements... I know, I’ll go with them to Gladrags. After all I need to be measured too, surely that will work...well, I’ll ask and we’ll see what happens. "Why don’t I go to Gladrags with you? I need to be measured for the duelling robes anyway, and then we can go to the Three Broomsticks together?" Ginny’s thoughts tumbled together rapidly. Well it’s not like Zacharias is going out with me or anything and I would like to see how the new robe will look on Harry -- Zacharias will understand and if he doesn’t then so what! He’s only a friend so his feelings shouldn’t be hurt, so why not! "Okay Harry, How about we meet at Gladrags about ten o’clock?" YESSS!!! That’s perfect! Harry said to himself, his heart soaring. "That sounds good, so, I’ll see you then." Harry stood up and practically bounded up the stairs to the dorm with an idiotic grin on his face.
Ginny looked at Isis, who stared back at her, wearing what Ginny swore was a grin, and then she winked at Ginny. Wait, did she really just smile and wink at me; no cats aren’t that expressive are they; she couldn’t really have done that out of intelligent thought could she? Isis had taken that moment to begin cleaning herself. "What is it about you, Isis? How much do I actually know about you?" Ginny chuckled, "I know people talk to their pets and some say that pets can communicate with their owner, but I have to wonder who’s the pet and who’s the owner with you, don’t I?" Ginny laughed again and stood up gathering her books and notes. "Well come on, Isis; it’s time for bed." Isis gave another mew and then she bounded after Ginny. Ginny opened the door to the dorm. The other girls were sleeping already, so she quietly dressed for bed and then climbed into it. Isis leapt onto the bed after Ginny and climbed over her shoulder onto Ginny’s pillow. She circled once and then placed her front paws onto Ginny’s shoulder and sunk her claws deep into Ginny’s flesh and began kneading her shoulder. Ginny bit back a scream as Isis’ claws burrowed into her shoulder painfully. She winced, knowing that the claws had drawn blood but then relaxed as Isis lay at her head and began grooming her hair, purring softly as Ginny stared awake at the canopy. What just happened downstairs. Harry seemed really hurt that I couldn’t go to Hogsmeade with him.... a tear ran from the corner of Ginny’s eye, Could it be that Harry wants me more than as a friend, could I really be that lucky? Isis purred louder as she groomed Ginny’s hair and soon Ginny felt very warm: comforting warmth spread over her, and her eyes grew very heavy, then all she knew was darkness as sleep overcame her. * Harry found his dorm quiet. Everyone was asleep, so he got ready for bed as quietly as he could. His heart was soaring because soon he’d be able to give Ginny her dress robe and then at Christmas he would give her her new broom as he told her the truth about the gifts and that it was he who had been her admirer. This would soon be over and he would have Ginny, or so he hoped. What if she’s lost interest in me after all these years? No, that couldn’t be. I felt something tonight, and Ginny seemed disappointed that I hadn’t asked her to go with me before tonight. She loves the gifts, and soon I’ll be able to hold her as never before. This all has to go well because I think tonight I fell in love with her... Great Merlin I said it, I’m in love with Ginny Weasley! Tonight just proved it to me. Damn! Why did I have to see her like that tonight! Harry’s thigh began throbbing from the wound Isis had made, but it didn’t last long. Harry checked the wound to find four puncture marks. He sighed, "stupid cat, ah well I’ve had worse." The pain slowly abated and a warmth spread through him. Then he was overcome with exhaustion as all consciousness fled, and he was dragged into a deeply restful slumber. * Today was a big day for Harry; he would soon be able to order a robe that would look great on his Ginny. I know I need her, but can I really call her mine? His dreams had been of brown eyes, long flaming hair, a bright smile, and a stunning figure. Never had his dreams been so plagued by Ginny. Did this really all just happen overnight? Harry grinned and virtually skipped off to the shower to clean up. After he was dressed, he looked through a Quidditch magazine to find the latest broomstick for Ginny. There on page 533 he found it, the Firestorm. Smiling as he wrote every letter, he filled out the order form, disregarding the price tag. * Ginny awoke floating on air ... she knew something significant happened between her and Harry last night, but what had occurred? I just know something has changed between us, and it’s something for the better. I think Harry has been my admirer. I don’t know it for sure, but it feels right somehow. I hope I’m not wrong about this, but what if I am? Ginny shook away the grim thought, and gathered her things for the day, laying them on her bed. Then she went off to have a hot shower. * Zacharias grinned at himself in the mirror. He had always had a crush on Ginny, and today she was going to Hogsmeade with him. I don’t know who her admirer is, but I plan on being the admirer, if I can just figure out how to sabotage whoever is really giving her the gifts. Malfoy has the money, and he would do it just to spite Potter and his friends. Potter? No I don’t think he has any money; he’s only here because he is "The Boy Who Lived" and he is the Headmaster’s pet. It’s got to be Malfoy. Maybe I’ll use Potter against Malfoy. I really don’t like either one. With that, a plan started to form. I can steer Ginny towards Malfoy; she can’t stand him. I see it every time they are in any proximity at all and he always like to insult her family. If I make him seem more of a git than he already is with his superior attitude and love of all things Malfoy. All things pureblooded for that matter: he thinks money can buy him anything, and it would be like him to use money to buy Ginny. Then there is Potter and his friendship with Ron and Ginny… If I create more division between Potter and Ginny and more division between them all then maybe House Hufflepuff can get some credit for who we are. I’m tired of Gryffindor and Slytherin being the premier houses. I’m tired of Potter and his friends getting all the glory. Maybe Potter will get jealous… whether he knows it or not Ginny still likes him. She’s got better at hiding the way she feels and Potter is still not sure how he feels about Ginny. With Ginny at my side and away from the Golden trio then, maybe Hufflepuff can earn some house points by proximity. Better still Ginny will be mine. I’m glad I heard them talking in the hall earlier, Harry was very awkward in his conversation with Ginny when they had run into each other, maybe Harry is starting to realize that he has the best shot of any of us with Ginny. If all goes well with my plan, Malfoy and Potter may eliminate themselves from the race. I think Ginny still has a crush on Harry, so if I play my cards right and show them both up, Ginny will be mine! * Ron and Hermione had agreed to go to Hogsmeade together. They had asked Harry to join them, but he’d just muttered, "I can’t. I need to take care of something for the Dueling Club, but I’ll meet you at The Three Broomsticks later." It wasn’t exactly a lie; Harry did have something to do, and it was sort of about the club. He grinned and grabbed his Father’s cloak. He would need it to read Ginny’s measurements. His plan was to show up early and wait for Ginny in Gladrags under his cloak to allow her time to look around and see if any sort of pattern or design would catch her eye, then when she got measured for the dueling robes he’d peek at what was written down. Then he’d sneak away and come in a little late to meet Ginny and Zacharius. He left in a rush took the tunnel to Honeyduke’s so no one would see him to talk to and slow him down. Once there, he sneaked out and went to the Hogsmeade post office to deliver his order for Ginny’s broom, that he had filled in earlier that morning. From there he was off to Gladrags. * "Don’t be silly Zacharias; why would Malfoy send me anything? I hate him! There are others at Hogwarts who have money that could have bought me the gifts, and I think I know who it is. Anyway I’m not going to pursue anyone till I find out for sure who my admirer is!" Ginny spat at Zacharius as she entered Gladrags. "I’m tired of your endless probing, first Harry then Malfoy, next thing you know you’ll be accusing Professor Snape of being my admirer!" "So who do you think it is, Ginny?" Zacharias persisted. "I’m not going to say anything till I know for sure!" Ginny responded. "Now let’s get fitted for our robes. Harry will be here soon, and I told him we would all go to the Three Broomsticks." "Potter! When did you talk to him! I thought you were coming here with me?" Zacharius snapped. He pointed at her and slapped his hand against his chest his voice raised and nostrils flaring. "In case you didn’t notice, I did come here with you! Since when do you tell me who I can and cannot ask along! Now let’s get this over with. I’m tired of bickering with you!" Ginny challenged. "We are on a date! Why would you ..." His voice trailed off as he realized he’d crossed a line he hadn’t intended on crossing, and he knew his scheme had failed. He winced as he saw rage cross Ginny’s countenance. He braced himself for the retaliation. "A DATE!!!! Since when is this a date!!! How dare you assume that I came here with you out of anything more than friendship!" Ginny’s eyes flashed warningly. Just out of sight, Harry’s heart soared, Ginny had committed to her admirer whether she realized it or not. At her outrage he could tell that she had no interest in Zacharias whatsoever; she wanted her admirer and no one else would do, and by that, she had committed to him. He quietly walked over to watch the show, but Zacharius was not finished yet. It’s now or never, Zacharias thought. I’ve got to take credit for the gifts or I’ll lose her for sure. I’ll deal with the real admirer when I’ve had a chance to think it all out. "For your information, Ginny, I sent you your gifts!" Zacharius blurted out. "I sent you everything; my family has the money, and I gave you everything!" Harry nearly gave it all up at that moment. Objects on a shelf nearby trembled as anger spiked within Harry; his vast reservoir of power begged for release from the boiling within him, but he restrained himself to see what Ginny would do. Ginny drew herself up to her full height and took a long deep breath. Objects on a shelf near her began to tremble dangerously. "HOW DARE YOU TELL ME LIES LIKE THAT!! If you gave me everything then what is in the bottom of my jewelry box? If you bought it then you would know!" Zacharius felt his face flush. I’m losing her, someone who knows her well would know what the box contained. What do I really know about her? What would someone put in the bottom of her jewelry box? Ginny, Ginny would probably be amused by the Muggle concept of fairies, and Muggle girls usually like to have fairy stuff so here goes. "Erm...it was... a... a... fairy...a fairy." He put a hand behind his back and crossed his fingers. Harry’s heart shattered. Zacharius stole his victory, but Ginny was still not through. He could tell her shrewd mind detected the hesitation in Zacharius voice. Her eyes narrowed in response to his answer. Ginny’s heart stopped for a moment when Zacharius correctly identified the fairy, but there was a note of puzzlement in his voice. Then her quick mind thought of everything the box contained: she hadn’t worn the earrings, but he may have seen them from a distance. Her mind searched for anything to disprove him. She somehow knew that it was not him and it was time for her to prove it. What else would he not know about the box? The box had a hippogriff that reminded her of Buckbeak, and it had the ring holder but no rings, the necklace everyone had seen and commented on --she wore it even now so that wouldn’t work. Think Ginny think. And in that moment she knew who her admirer was ... Buckbeak, Griffin, Dragons, who would know about those things, who would know me that well besides Hermione, Ron and...HARRY! I am right! Harry is my admirer. Her mouth curved into a smug grin. "You bought them? Well we’ll see about that. Describe the earrings for me." Uh oh, Zacharias thought. He had seen them from a distance, but he knew they were gold dragons. "They were gold dragons." Oh no! Harry thought, he was losing her. Zacharius was two for two, but Ginny realized something. Let’s see how this plays out. "What gem makes up their eyes?" she volleyed. It was too far for him to tell, but she had red hair so maybe they were rubies. Zacharias smiled and found confidence. "They were rubies; I thought they would go well with your hair." Now she had him, but why not have a little fun before the killing blow. "Oh Zach! She batted her eyes at him and leaned in. "Thank you so much for the gifts and that lovely emerald ring was amazing, wherever did you find a stone that size? It had to have cost you a fortune?" A ring? thought Harry, startled. I didn’t give her a ring; what is she talking abou... Oh Ginny, I do love you, good girl! He smiled to himself. A ring? She got a ring too? Wow, who would have that kind of money? It had to be Malfoy, but she thinks it’s me. I’ll worry about him later. "Well it did cost a fortune, but it was worth it for you, Ginny." Zacharias leaned in, filled with electricity, anticipating his lips against hers. "DESMODONTIDAE MUCOSA!" Ginny yelled aiming her wand at Zacharius. Shock filled his senses as he was thrown through the door of Gladrags and out into the street. A tingling filled his nostrils and then a slimy wetness, followed by a fluttering sensation. Zacharius stood up, and it felt like his head swelled. He bent forward as brown putrid glops of bogeys oozed from his nose. Slowly they morphed into bat-shaped conglutinations that tickled his nose as they flew into the air; wing beats bespattered his hair and face with congealed masses of mucus. He tried to yell but his mouth filled with globbets of slime. He ran off with Ginny’s words thundering in his ears. "Don’t you ever come near me again, or the next hex will be much worse!" Harry had to bite his tongue to keep from bursting into laughter; tears filled his eyes, and he had to lean against a counter and stifle the pain he felt from his heaving sides as he warred against delirious laughter. For several minutes he stood paralyzed until he spotted Ginny coming near him, looking at a lovely bolt of velvety green material. Madame Malkin wobbled over, weak from her own tirade of laughter. She smiled mischievously at Ginny. "My dear, that was the finest bat-bogey hex I have ever seen! How, in Merlin’s name, did you perfect it?" Ginny grinned proudly. "I have six older brothers; a girl has to learn how to protect herself." Ginny winked at Madame Malkin, with mirth sparkling in her eyes. At her smile Harry’s knees got weak. He quickly got his footing back and continued to watch Ginny. Madame Malkin chuckled. "Well done, my dear, well done. Now, how can I help you today?" "I need to be fitted for a set of dueling robes." She pulled the design specifications from her pocket and handed them to Madame Malkin. "Very good, miss...?" Madame Malkin paused. "Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Madame Malkin." "I thought as much, but I wanted to be sure. I thought you had the look and the fire of a Weasley. Now then let’s measure you for your robe." Madame Malkin said, indicating a low stool. A short time later the measurements were done. Harry sneaked a peak at them and made his way out to an alley, and when no one was around he removed his Invisibility Cloak and put it away. He made his entrance and walked towards the counter where a pair of beautiful brown eyes met his. Ginny saw Harry enter, and her heart climbed into her throat. She figured out that Harry was her secret admirer from her confrontation with Zacharius, but she didn’t want to spoil anything, so she played along, knowing that at Christmas he’d tell her the truth. "Hi Ginny." He stifled his laughter remembering the scene with Zacharius. "Where’s Zacharius?" Harry looked around. "We had a disagreement earlier and I sort-of hexed him." Ginny said beaming, not about the memory of Zacharius’ cheek, but rather at the revelation that Harry was her admirer "You hexed Zacharius? What for?" Harry asked, feigning astonishment. "It’s not important. Let’s just say we didn’t see eye-to-eye on something, and he argued about it over and over. So I got mad and hexed him," she said sweetly. "Ginny! I can’t believe you did that!" Once again he acted surprised. "Do me a favor Ginny, if we ever argue about anything, please let me know when to raise a hex shield?" He chuckled to let her know he was kidding. "Somehow, Harry, I don’t think we’ll ever have a fight that bad." She grinned and winked at him. Then quickly averted her eyes so that she would not reveal what she knew about him. "Let’s hope so for my sake. Now then, did you get measured for your robe?" Harry asked. "Yes, I’m all set." Ginny responded. "Well, I guess it’s my turn." He rang a bell and waited for Madame Malkin. When she attended him, Harry explained about the dueling robe and pulled out his own copy of the design specifications. "Right this way, Mr. Potter." She ushered him through a curtain, placed him on a pedestal and began taking his measurements. "So did you get Miss Weasley’s measurements okay?" she asked knowingly. "Yes I di- How...how did you know I was here?" Harry flushed. "Invisibility detector in a one way mirror saw through your cloak. I knew you were here when you came in the first time, but no one else saw you. Don’t worry, I won’t tell her. Now, what did you need them for?" Madam Malkin carried on calmly wielding her tape measure, and Harry’s racing heart gradually slowed. "I want to buy her a set of dress robes, using that green material she was looking at. She seemed to admire it, and I want to give it to her as a surprise gift," Harry answered. "So you must be the one they were arguing about." Madame Malkin smiled. "Yep, I’m her admirer. You...won’t tell her, right?" Harry cast her a questioning look silently praying that he could trust her. "Your secret is safe with me, Mr. Potter." She finished his measurements. "I will make her a stunning robe for the Yule ball, and I’ll make sure it gets to you right away so you’ll have it to send in time. Now then we’re all done, and remember material things don’t buy love, young man. Only your heart can buy that, but a few baubles now and then never hurt anything." She smiled and nodded towards the curtain. * Harry walked out and found Ginny stroking the nap of material. "You ready, Ginny?" Even though he spoke softly, Ginny startled: Madame Malkin had been quick with him. "Yes, I’m ready. Let’s go find Ron and Hermione." The two of them walked out into the street towards the Three Broomsticks. ~*~*~*~
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