Fire shot through his veins and he wished for death. He dug his fingernails into the threadbare rug to pull himself forward, toward the door, but he could not get away from the unbearable pain. It followed him, searing his insides with punishment for foolishness he was responsible for, and yet, had not committed. He heard himself scream as he felt his intestines twist and knot and tear. His mind teased him, beckoning him toward blissful blackness but he could not go. The torture kept him teetering on the edge of consciousness, then suddenly, it released him, leaving him panting in a pool of his own sweat.
âYou will tell your son not to touch her. She is mine and I will have her unharmed.â
âYes, my Lord,â Lucius agonized faintly into the floorboards, his mind swirling with nauseous thoughts of how Draco would pay.
+++++
Sitting on her bed, Joanna read the front page of The Daily Prophet with a sinking heart. There had been another Death Eater attack, this one being in London. She recognized two of the families. They worked for her father. One of them had a daughter in Ravenclaw. Joannaâs insides ached as she felt the tears gather in her eyes. Sniffling, she swiped at the moisture with the back of her sleeve and swallowed hard. She was so sorry.
Joanna closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead, a mixture of tiredness and tears causing her head to ache. Dropping her hand, she tilted her head back and blinked at the ceiling. Joanna felt a little guilty feeling angry. Her anger was petty and selfish, but she could not help thinking about how the article impacted her, too. The last owl Joanna had received from her father said if the attacks kept getting closer, she would have to come home.
âŠ.I realize Hogwarts is as safe as anywhere, but in these times, it would be nice to have my family all under one roof, to hug goodnight and kiss good morningâŠ
Joanna could not argue against that, but her heart was here. Deep down, she needed to be here. To go home would rip her in two. She had replied to her father saying she understood and loved him and her mum very much but she was needed at school. Glancing at the paper spread out on her bed again, Joanna felt her heart constrict for the families suffering losses everyday and knew her request had most likely fallen on deaf ears.
âHey, Joanna,â Ginny said, dropping her book bag on her bed and flopping down. âYou alright?â
âNo,â Joanna replied, tossing the paper over on Ginnyâs bed. âThereâs been another attack.â
âYeah, I read about it this morning at breakfast,â Ginny said quietly, turning the paper so the headline blared at her. She sighed. âMarta wasnât in Ancient Runes. I heard a couple of Ravenclaws talking, saying her grandmother came to pick her up.â
âWould it really be home if your parents werenât there?â Joanna asked quietly.
âI â“ I donât know,â Ginny answered, her voice cracking.
âMy parents might come get me.â
âWhat? Has something happened?â Ginny asked concerned, moving from her bed to Joannaâs.
âNo,â Joanna shook her head. âMy dad sent me an owl after the last attacks. He said if they continued, he would rather I be at home than here.â
âBut, Hogwarts is safe!â Ginny argued. âAnd youâve got classes and â“â
âAnd Neville. I know!â Joanna replied dejectedly.
âHave you told them no?â
âI sent an owl. I donât think it will matter, though,â Joanna said dejectedly. âMy father can be rather stubborn about certain things, especially his family.â
âIâm really sorry, Joanna,â Ginny said. âI hope it doesnât come to that.â
âMe, too,â she sighed, checking the time on her watch. âWeâd better get going. Weâve got Charms.â
âJoanna,â Ginny said, sliding off the bed and gathering her book bag up, âhave you told Neville?â
âNo,â Joanna shook her head. âWith Valentineâs Day coming up, Iâm kind of hoping the whole thing just goes away and I wonât have to - like if I donât say anything, it wonât happen. Think it will work?â
Ginny smiled wryly at her friend, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. âIn my experience, ah â“ no. But, thereâs a first time for everything. Come on, letâs go.â
++++
âWell, if it was meant to be easy, someone would have already banished him by now, I suppose,â Anna said from the floor where she was gathering the quills she had knocked over. Three pairs of eyes stared blankly at her as she righted the holder and replaced the quills. âWhat? Too much truth, not enough encouragement?â
Ron sighed. âYou know, being the Room of Requirement, you would expect you could simply walk in, and there, in the middle, on a pedestal, would be the book, open to the right page, a nice glowing light all around it. Maybe even some light, airy music playingâŠâ Ronâs voice trailed off wistfully as he looked around the room in hopes of finding his wish.
âOf course, Ron,â Anna commented, âif you took that view, perhaps the Room of Requirement might be doing just that. Except that a little of what you need is over there in that book and a little is over there in that oneâŠâ
âThanks, Anna,â Ron said dryly.
âAnytime. So, what are you three dashing young men doing for the women you're going out with on Valentineâs Day?â Anna asked, leaning forward eagerly.
âValentineâs Day?â Ron asked blankly. âWhatâs todayâs date?â he asked, fishing in his bag for Hermioneâs revised study schedule.
âFebruary 8th,â Harry answered immediately.
Ron pulled his rumpled schedule out of his bag. He checked it and hung his head.
âYou didnât notice the moaning about Hogsmeade being cancelled?â Harry asked. âOr the decorations in the common room?â
âNo!â Ron groaned. âYouâre telling me you did?â
Smirking, Harry nodded. Ron turned hopefully to Neville, took one look at the expression on his face and sighed. âYou know, Neville, your face might crack in two with a grin that big on it.â
âYep,â Neville answered, his cheeks warming.
âFinally figured out what makes it work?â Harry asked, smiling at Nevilleâs happiness.
âNope,â Neville shook his head, his grin not wavering. âGave up.â
âEasier that way,â Ron nodded. âLove is hard.â
âNow thatâs where youâre wrong, Ron,â Anna said smiling. âLove isnât hard. Love is simple. Think about it â“ what did you do to fall in love with Hermione? Did you have to solve a difficult problem or train for months on end or fluff up your back feathers? No, you just fell in love. Love is simple. Itâs the relationships that are hard. Once you start thinking about love, putting expectations on it, demanding things of it â“ then it becomes complicated.â
Harry glanced over at Ron who, judging by the jerking of his head, was trying to nod his head in agreement while shaking it in disagreement simultaneously. Harry grinned. âGive it up, Ron. Sheâs right.â
âDid you see the notice about the dance?â Neville broke in, changing the subject.
âDance?â Anna said. âReally? I love to dance. Especially when I have someone to take me. Have you asked your girlfriends?â she asked, smiling around the table.
âOh, come on, Neville,â Ron said, throwing a waded piece of parchment at his head, âthat smile is making me sick to my stomach.â
âItâs not exactly like we didnât have to see that same smile plastered on your face for a good six months when you and Hermione first started dating,â Harry commented, flipping a page in the book he was reading. âWhat are you getting Hermione, by the way?â
âI donât know,â Ron said exasperatedly. âValentineâs Day seems so trumped up. Just an excuse to spend money â“ money I donât have.â
âRon, stop being such a spoil sport,â Anna scolded, sitting back in her chair, her hands resting lightly on her thickening waistline. âValentineâs Day isnât about money. Itâs about showing your âsomeone specialâ how you really feel about her. Or in my case, him. We get so caught up in things,â Anna waved her hand over the books spread out on the table, âlike trying to banish the most evil wizard in the world, we forget to live. If we forget to live, he wins.â
âYouâve been hanging around Dumbledore too much,â Ron observed.
âItâs true,â Neville said, âif we donât give it our all now, we might not get our chance later.â
âNeville, you have it bad,â Ron stated.
Nevilleâs cheeks flamed red but that didnât keep the grin from coming back.
âAlright, Neville, if youâre so into this holiday, what are you getting Joanna?â Ron asked, crossing his arms in front of him and tipping his chair back onto its back legs.
âSorry, Ron, canât tell you,â Neville said, picking up his quill.
âYou donât know!â Ron claimed triumphantly, slapping a hand on the table top.
âNo, I do know. But itâs for her. Not for you,â Neville said firmly.
Harryâs body shook with silent laughter at Nevilleâs put down. The movement drew Ronâs attention.
âSo, then, what exactly are you getting my sister for Valentineâs Day?â he asked, tapping his fingers on the tabletop expectantly. Harryâs shoulders stopped shaking as he went completely still.
âAn entrapment charm,â Harry replied quietly.
âYouâre going to entrap my sister? I might have to call you out for that,â Ron said.
âNo, no,â Harry said, shaking his head and looking up at Anna. âWhat do you know about Entrapment Charms?â
Anna bit her bottom lip and sat back, her eyes growing distant as she searched her mind. âEntrapment Charms were popular with the Egyptians. Bill might be a good resource for them. You know the Egyptians believed you could take it all with you and tried to do just that. Most believed reproductions of animals and servants would suffice as long as they carried the essence of the beingâs spirit. Entrapment charms were used to âcaptureâ the spirit, so to speak and to contain it in a clay figure.â
âDid it work?â Harry asked.
âWell, you donât see a lot of reincarnated Egyptian witches and wizards wandering around with their entourages, although some argue that is due to poor mummification. Air gets through the bandages and well, it gets ugly,â Anna explained, wrinkling her nose and standing up to walk around and read over Harryâs shoulder. âYou know, something like this might work.â
âReally?â Ron said, leaning forward.
âThe Egyptians didnât steal real spirits of living individuals, obviously,â Anna said. âThey would essentially capture a dead spirit that embodied the desired type of individual. It was rather complicated spell work and involved a crew of witches and wizards simultaneously working together â“ spirits, even dead ones, are funny beingsâŠâ Anna walked up to the chalkboard. With a flick of her wrist, the Obliteration Charm appeared. Anna followed the notes, the corrections, the additions with her finger as she contemplated the outcome of the spell. âIf this works, and Ginny can destroy the anchor, that would leave blood and spirit,â Anna said, turning around to face the table. She tapped her nose with her finger and tapped her toe in time. Slowly, she nodded into the expectant silence, her face grim. âWe can do this,â she said solemnly, meeting Harryâs eyes.
âIâll be there,â Ron said firmly.
âMe, too,â Neville agreed.
Anna shook her head. âThis is something Harry and Ginny have to do on their own,â she said thoughtfully. âIf you and Ginny are bonded for the Obliteration Charm, you canât simply âun-bondâ without doing significant damage to each other. It would be like reaching into your middle and ripping out your heart,â Anna said, sitting back down at the table. âBut thatâs alright because this will have to be something the two of you do together. You will need each other. It will take an inordinate amount of power to capture his spirit.â
âWhat do you do with it once you capture it?â Neville asked.
âGood question,â Anna said. âYou have to entrap it in something and then dispose of itâŠâ
âThe veil,â Harry answered.
âIn the Department of Mysteries?â Ron asked.
Anna nodded and shrugged. âMakes sense to me. Of course, we need to figure out what kind of Entrapment Charm could work on a live spirit and how you,â Anna said, nodding at Harry, âare going to be able to cast it without â“ well, we just have to figure it out.â
âWithout what?â Ron asked.
âWithout me overpowering Ginny and killing her in the process,â Harry said quietly.
Anna stilled for a moment as she met Harryâs unwavering gaze. She nodded slightly. Harry glanced at Ron, expecting an outburst of sorts. Instead, Ron met his eyes head on and inhaled deeply.
âWell, then letâs get to it,â Ron said, reaching over for the book in front of Harry and beginning to read.
+++++
âARGH!â Harry pushed back his chair in frustration and stood up. âThereâs nothing! Nothing in any of these books that tell us what to do!â Harry began to pace around the Room of Requirement, empty except for him and Ginny.
âHarry, we know what to do. Look at the boards. We have an Obliteration Charm that we think will work. Weâre working on the Entrapment Charm. Weâre doing fine,â Ginny said patiently from her seat at the table. She and Harry had had this conversation at least a dozen times since he had told her of the Entrapment Charm.
âThatâs not what I mean! I mean we canât do this, not like this. We canât be connected to do this!â
âAnd if we arenât, there wonât be enough power to do both spells!â
âThere might be,â Harry argued.
âNo, Harry, there wouldnât be. There wouldnât be enough left of either one of us,â Ginny replied.
âAnd there might not be anything left of you if we do this at all!â Harry shouted, slamming his fist on the table. Harry placed his hands palm down on the table and leaned toward Ginny. âI will not sacrifice you. I canât go on without you,â he growled.
âHarry,â Ginny said, her voice gravelly with exhaustion, âI could lose you, too.â
âI know, Gin, but chances are itâs going to be youâŠthere has to be another way.â Harry said, leaning back and running his hands through his hair.
Ginny sighed. Her eyes were itchy, her neck stiff, her mind numb. She was in no mood to argue with Harry. She knew if she did, she was just going to end up saying something she would regret later.
âHarry, can we do this tomorrow?â she asked, closing the book in front of her to signal she was done for the night.
âMy mind isnât going to change in the morning,â Harry answered stubbornly.
âWhat will change your mind?â Ginny asked exasperatedly.
âAn answer,â Harry barked, âan answer that will say you wonât die or be hurt. That you will be alright.â
âHarry, there are no answers like that,â Ginny cried. She could feel her emotions bubbling up, the tired tears making their way up her throat, her hold on her anger and frustration faltering.
âHow do you know?â Harry asked hoarsely. âNone of this,â Harry waved his had at the boards, âthis wasnât there before. Who says we havenât looked hard enough. Or far enough. You yourself said maybe what we were looking for was out of the world as we know it. Maybe itâs still out there!â
Harry dropped his hands to his side, his shoulders slumping, his eyes pleading with Ginnyâs. A tear leaked out of her eye and slid down her cheek. She swiped at it impatiently with the sleeve of her jumper.
âWeâll keep looking tomorrow,â she whispered, turning away to gather her books.
She felt his touch on her shoulder, a pressure directing her body to turn around. Harryâs hands framed her face and his lips found hers. There was no softness, no gentleness in this kiss. This kiss was a kiss of desperation and fear. Anxieties battled with greater emotions, fighting to find physical reassurance amidst the pressure. Ginny moaned as Harryâs hands moved down, wrapping around her and pressing her close, as if enough pressure would cause them to meld into one being, allowing him to protect her with his own skin. Ginnyâs senses exploded, her mind a blur as she felt her distress mix with Harryâs. It sunk through her, past her heart, past her knees, right out her toes. A sense of numbness remained in its wake, curling, warming, tingling as the kiss changed, becoming gentler, the anger and frustration fading for the present, giving way to something more.
Ginny saw the ribbons, their normal brightness deepen, their colors changing into the vivid mahogany hues of passion and desire. Tongues entwined, Ginny ran her hands down Harryâs back, finding the waist band of his jumper and tugging it up. Harry pulled back to lift the jumper over his head and she gasped from the loss of contact. Throwing the sweater aside, Harry grabbed at Ginny, pulling her back against him, her palms landing flat against his chest. Harryâs breath hissed as Ginnyâs fingers curled into the cotton of his t-shirt, scratching him through the fabric. His hands found the bottom of her blouse and pushed it up, his fingers seeking the smooth warmness of her back. Ginny shivered against him as she gave herself up to the sensations growing throughout her body that wouldnât be appeased, no matter how hard she tried to melt into him. Ginnyâs mind became a picture show of sensation â“ Harryâs lips on the bare skin of her neck; her hands beneath his t-shirt, molding to the contours of his back; Harryâs ragged whisper, âI wonât lose you. Ever! I canât live without you.â
The words crystallized in Ginnyâs mind as she felt Harry pull back to rest his forehead on hers. His breath, warm and short, brushed her skin, mingling raggedly with hers. Ginny kept her eyes closed, arms around Harryâs waist, her heart thumping against Harryâs. Her cheeks were burning. Her lips felt bruised. And her entire body yearned for more.
âI wonât lose you, Heâs taken everyone else, he canât have you.â Harry repeated, his voice husky and broken as he struggled to regain control over his own senses.
Ginny opened her eyes, swallowing the lump in her throat. She leaned back to look up. Harryâs glasses were smudged, his hair a mess, his lips parted and red and inviting. Ginny, not able to help herself, raised up on her tip toes, placed her palms on either side of Harryâs face as he had done to hers and fiercely pressed her lips to his. Pulling back only slightly, she whispered against his lips, âYou wonât. I promise.â
Ginny lowered herself onto her heels and rested her cheek against Harryâs chest. She made Harry her anchor and tightened her hold, listening as his heartbeat slowed to a solid, comforting thunder under her ear, the ribbons behind her eyelids lightening into a dazzling rainbow of color. They stood there, holding onto each other, gaining the strength necessary to let go.
Harry cleared his throat and squeezed Ginny tightly once more. âWe should get going,â he said hoarsely into her hair.
Ginny nodded reluctantly and squeezed back, before letting go. Gathering their belongings, they silently walked, shoulders brushing, hands clasped, back to Gryffindor Tower. They climbed through the portrait hole into the deserted common room.
âI didnât realize it was so late,â Ginny said.
Harry dipped his head pecking her on the lips. âAlmost midnight,â Harry said reluctantly letting go of Ginnyâs hand. âSweet dreams. Iâll see you tomorrow.â
Ginny smiled softly at Harry and nodded before heading up to her room. Mechanically going through the motion of getting ready for bed, Ginny crawled beneath the covers and closed the curtains around her. She sunk into the warmth and softness of the bedding and sighed. Flipping over to her side, she made room for Chehalis under her chin and closed her eyes, waiting for sleep to drag her under. It didnât come. Harryâs words kept creeping across her mind and her body wished for someone other than a cat to snuggle up with. Ginny turned over again, scrunching her pillow up under her head. She willed her body to relax, trying to clear her mind. She saw ribbons. Disgruntled by her lack of stillness, Chehalis got up, stretched, and circled her body, settling on a space to the left of her feet. Frustrated, Ginny stared at the ceiling for a few minutes before giving up and pushing back her covers. Slipping into her robe, Ginny slipped out of the room and headed back to the common room.
Ginny walked to the sofa in front of the fireplace and sat down, curling her legs underneath her and leaning her head against the arm. She watched the embers flicker, welcoming the drowsy warmth. She smiled as she realized the warmth was coming from the inside out and wasnât surprised at all when she heard his voice behind her.
âScoot over.â
Ginny gladly made room and Harry crawled behind her. He pulled her into his arms, snuggling her back against his chest. She relaxed as his soft breath flowed over her ear and his feet warmed hers. Ginny closed her eyes.
++++
Joanna checked her watch as she trotted down the steps from the girlsâ dormitory. She had four minutes. The wiggle in her stomach traveled upward and erupted in an ear splitting grin as she neared the bottom. On a whim, she leapt off the third from the bottom step and landed with a âTHWUMP!â on the floor. She straightened up and stopped.
âNeville! Youâre early,â she said, her smile being replaced with a shade of crimson to match the Valentineâs decorations hanging around the common room. Pressing her hands to her burning cheeks, Joanna smiled weakly at her date, then looked back at the steps before returning her attention to Neville. âAh, well, thatâŠuh, well, hmm â“ you look nice,â she finished.
Neville grinned widely. âYou do, too,â he said, helping her on with her cloak.
Joanna giggled. âThanks.â
Dress for the evening was casual. Professor McGonagall had expressly stated no denim as Valentineâs Day was a celebration, but had conceded that dress robes were a bit much. Especially since the festivities were outdoors. Neville held out his elbow and Joanna gladly wrapped her hands around his forearm and stepped forward. Neville didnât follow. Turning around, she gave him a quizzical look.
âJoanna, we â“ uh, I ne â“ need to tell you something,â Neville said, pulling his arm back and turning to face the fireplace.
Joanna stood, cemented to the spot, her heart plummeting from her middle to her feet. She swallowed, biting her bottom lip to keep it from trembling. She wished she could keep her knees from doing so, too. She closed her eyes and tried to channel her sisters â“ their devil-may-care attitudes, their snappy comebacks, their ability to hold a stiff upper lip. She deflated. She wasnât any of those things. If Neville was going to tell her this was it, she would try not to beg, but she couldnât guarantee she wouldnât break.
âI â“ I wanted to tell you I want to do the bonding ceremony.â
Joannaâs head snapped up. âYou arenât breaking up with me?â
âBreaking up with you?â Neville repeated dumbfounded. âWhy would I want to break up with you?â
Joanna felt her face flush, her tongue grow three times its normal size and her brain shut off. âYouâre not breaking up with me,â she repeated dazed.
âNo,â Neville said, shaking his head and looking at her as if she was batty.
A light bulb went off in Joannaâs head. âYou want to do the bonding.â
âWell, if you do,â Neville replied, stepping up to her. âI mean, if you donât, itâs alright. I just had been thinking about it, and,â Nevilleâs face flushed to match Joannaâs, âand I canât imagine not doing it.â
âReally?â Joanna said disbelievingly.
âReally,â Neville replied slightly annoyed.
âReally,â Joanna repeated, her face breaking into a radiant smile.
Neville cleared his throat, his mind a little dazzled by Joannaâs joy. It still threw him that he could make her feel that way. âSo, should we go?â
Joanna nodded, her ability to form an intelligent sentence gone. She didnât mind a bit.
++++
The Valentineâs Day boardwalk was at least two couples wide, allowing privacy and passing room on either side. In a gradual series of single steps separated by stretches of flat path, the walk was lined with strings of fairy lights attached to lamp posts, and led from the front doors of Hogwarts down to the lake. At oddly spaced intervals, a smaller walkway would meander off to a private bench or an overlook where a magical display of lights or music could be enjoyed. Strolling musicians made their way between the couples, string instruments accompanying love songs sung by clear, sweet enticing voices.
Professor McGonagall stood to the side of the doors handing out pouches that jingled to each student who passed. The velvet drawstring bags held heart shaped coins, each engraved with sayings such as âYou canât put a price on loveâ and âIsnât she worth it?â The coins could be spent at the carts interspersed along the way, some selling the usual romantic trinkets of flowers and chocolate, others selling things a little more magical.
Professor Flitwick bobbled up and down excitedly in front of one, attempting to entice students to spend a few hearts having a love poem composed by an enchanted quill.
âGuaranteed to tell your lady exactly what is in your heart!â he called, waving to the couples passing by.
Hermione raised her eyebrows at Ron as they passed the cart, but he steered her clear.
âItâs not that I donât love you with all my heart, Hermione,â Ron said, tugging her along. âBut you know what they say about the way to a manâs heart being through his stomach and right now Iâm starving. If we were to stop, it would probably jot down something about how much Iâd love you to be a plate of bangers and mash right now.â
âClassy, Ron,â Hermione sighed, rolling her eyes.
âI prefer âhonestâ,â Ron grinned, leaning down to give her a kiss on the cheek.
âRonald, have you forgotten everything we taught you about women?â a familiar voice asked from a cart up ahead.
âYou know honesty isnât always the best policy,â a second voice chimed in.
âFred? George?â Ginny asked as she and Harry joined Ron and Hermione on the boardwalk. âWhat are you two doing here?â
âChaperones,â Fred said, hooking his thumbs under the lapels of his sparkling red jacket.
Ron snorted.
âWhat? Donât believe we could be?â George said indignantly.
âNo,â Hermione replied.
âWell, it was worth a shot,â Fred shrugged. âEvening, Harry.â
âHi, Fred,â Harry said smiling. âHey, George.â
âIs this your cart?â Ginny asked, eagerly walking over and beginning to inspect the wheeled vehicle behind her brothers.
âYep,â Fred said. âDumbledore asked if we would like to be a part of this evening.â
âYou know, good marketing, and all,â George explained.
âWhat are you selling?â Harry asked.
âIs this a love potion?â Ginny asked, holding up a bottle. âDoes it work?â
âOf course it works!â Fred grinned. âFor a mere two hearts we can guarantee the love of your life will fall in love with you.â
âAnd what if things go awry?â Hermione asked skeptically.
George leaned over and whispered conspiratorially to them, âWe sell the antidote in our shop and will gladly owl it to you tomorrow morning for two Galleons plus shipping.â
âWe have mints that will make you into a silver tongued devil for the evening; miniature fireworks to dazzle and delight that can be held in your hand with no injury to you or your date; and our newest product which was inspired by a certain cloak of yours,â Fred said, nodding at Harry and holding up a small, flat rectangular package. Leaning close, Harry read the inscription on the label.
âInvisishield â“ When You Desire Privacy and None is to be Found.â
âHere,â Fred said, opening the small package and drawing out a piece of shimmering silk stretching from above his head to the boardwalk. He held it up in front of him and let go, leaving the fabric hanging in mid-air, hiding him from view.
âFor the purpose of this evening,â George said, âone could steal away for some romantic time with that someone special,â George said, stepping behind the cloth. An exaggerated wet smooching sound came from behind the cloth.
âAw, come of it!â Ron gagged as Ginny giggled.
George reappeared, the back of his hand to his lips, as Fred rolled up the shield.
âHow much?â Ginny asked curiously.
âOh, no, not for you,â Fred said, eyeing Harry. âCanât be making it easy for our little sister to go off for a snog. But for you, Ron, weâll call it a professional sample.â
âYou need all the help you can get,â George chimed in. âBless you, Hermione.â
âNo problem,â Hermione sighed. âIâm rather surprised, though, that you donât have any thing like an instant date. You know, âtransfigure this mouse into an ethereal being for your eveningâ,â she continued sarcastically.
âTried,â Fred sighed. âMcGonagall said we couldnât sell them here.â
âThat, and the frogs we used just kept licking Stewart when he asked them to dance,â George said. âBut you know, Fred, maybe if we used something less reptilianâŠâ
âOh, before I loose my appetite,â Ron said, dragging Hermione down the boardwalk.
âIâll take one of these,â Harry said, holding up a palm sized box of Weasley Wizarding Wheezes Fireworks For Two.
âAh, lovely choice, young Harry,â Fred said, pocketing Harryâs heart coins. âYou two young lovebirds have a lovely evening,â Fred sighed, clasping his hands under his chin and battling his eyelashes at them.
âYes,â George said, waving like an excited old woman at their backs. âEnjoy yourselves. HANDS A LITTLE HIGHER THERE, P â“â
Georgeâs mouth kept moving but no sound came out as Harry and Ginny casually stowed their wands. Ginny smiled brightly and waved and they kept moving down the walkway.
As the boardwalk neared the lake, it became wider, forming a deck that traveled halfway around the lake. At either end, tables for two, four and eight were set with flickering candles and polished silver. As students sat, the intricately folded napkins levitated up, snapped flat and gently floated down into the dinersâ laps as their plates and goblets magically filled.
A dance floor separated the tables. The space glowed warmly, lit from above by paper lanterns suspended in the night. Couples swayed to music being played by a band whose sign in the middle of the stage listed them as âThe Night Nifflers.â
Beyond the stage, Ginny could see the boats used to bring the first years across the lake lit up with fairy lights. Hagrid stood on the end of the dock, helping a couple of students into one of the boats. As he stood up, Hagrid noticed Ginny and waved. He motioned for her to come and take a ride and she nodded, pointing to the tables and miming eating. Hagrid smiled and turned to assist the next couple wanting to take a gentle cruise on the water.
âCan I take your cloak?â Harry asked, offering his arm.
âOh, yes,â Ginny answered, working on the clasp. âThey must have put warming charms on this part. This is really nice,â Ginny said, handing Harry her cloak and weaving her hand into his.
âYeah,â Harry replied, his eyes trailing over the scene. âI heard Dumbledore was really sorry Hogsmeade had to be cancelled. Flitwick was in charge of all of this,â he said, ducking as a Cherub flew overhead, shooting arrows of sparkling glitter into the air.
âNo wonder heâs been so distracted in class this week,â Ginny said, reaching up to brush some sparkles out of Harryâs hair.
âCome on, you two,â Ron called impatiently from a table. âIâm starving and the plates wonât fill up until the whole party is seated. Oh, and the chairs wonât come out unless you pull them out for your date,â Ron said, rolling his eyes at Harry.
âItâs called Chivalry, Ron,â Hermione explained exasperatedly. âOpening doors, standing up when a lady enters the room â“ itâs simply being polite.â
âAnd why canât women do that when men enter the room, then?â Ron complained.
âIt wasnât my idea. Ask King Arthur,â Hermione said.
âI thought the Muggles had a Queen right now,â Ron said.
âNever mind,â Hermione sighed, shaking her head.
Ron shrugged his shoulders and leaned back, letting his napkin float into his lap as his plate filled in front of him. Conversation shifted to mundane talk about classes and Quidditch and couples on the dance floor as they ate. It was an unspoken agreement that tonight, the war was left outside the festivities.
âHi guys!â Neville said, as he and Joanna stopped at their table. It was hard not to smile at the pair. Something good seemed to radiate off them, filling whoever was in their presence with a sense of happiness.
âHi Neville. Hi Joanna. Having a good night?â Hermione asked.
âIsnât this lovely?â Joanna said, her eyes twinkling merrily. âDid you see the carts? Neville bought me a poem. Want to see it?â
âNo!â Neville cried, trying to grab the pink piece of parchment Joanna held out to the table.
âOh, come on, Neville,â Joanna said, leaning into him. âIt was sweet.â
âUh, Joanna, thereâs nothing here,â Harry said, turning the parchment over to make sure he had the proper side up.
âWhat do you mean?â Joanna said worriedly, taking the parchment back. âNo, itâs right here, see â“ oh,â she said, as Harryâs hand touched it and the writing faded.
âThatâs rather clever,â Hermione said. âThe parchment must be charmed to only reveal the poem to the person it was intended for.â
âSeems like youâre off the hook, Neville,â Ron said, leaning back in his chair.
âOh, well, I can always read it out loud to you,â Joanna said, clearing her throat.
âLook! Hagrid has a free boat,â Neville said, pulling Joanna along behind him.
Joanna giggled as she let Neville lead her off. âGuess Iâll have to read it to you tonight, Ginny. Maybe you two could get Ron and Harry to buy you one and we can compare?â
Hermione raised her eyebrows at Ron. âYouâve eaten now. Shall we?â
Ron groaned and looked pleadingly at Harry who was placing his napkin to the side of his plate. Harry leaned over and whispered in Ginnyâs ear, âCare to dance?â
Harry could have sworn if the lights went out, the smile she gave him would have lit up the entire boardwalk. His heart leapt at the sight and he grinned back.
âIâd love to. Excuse us,â Ginny said, as Harry stood and pulled her chair out.
âNo, Harry, thatâs not fair, y-you canât just leave,â Ron sputtered as Harry led Ginny to the dance floor.
Ginny had no idea what song the band was playing and she didnât really care. Stepping into Harryâs arms and resting her cheek on the scratchy wool of his jumper, she closed her eyes. She felt Harryâs hand find hers and they swayed on the dance floor, the rest of the world melting away. Internally, Ginny watched the ribbons, growing brighter with their closeness, flooding her body with warmth and rightness. If she hadnât heard her feet stepping on the wood of the floor, she would have sworn she was dancing on air.
Ron turned to Hermione who was gazing thoughtfully at Harry and Ginny. He watched her catch her bottom lip in her teeth and tilt her head, her brow furrowing.
âYou alright, Hermione?â he asked. âIf you really want a poem, Iâll go b-â
âNo, Ron, it isnât that,â Hermione said, waving at him to be quiet. âItâs â“ itâs â“ huh,â she said, sitting back in her chair.
âHuh?â Ron asked confused.
âNo,â she said, shaking her head. âThatâs too simple. It canât be.â
âWhat canât be?â
Hermione suddenly stood up, her chair tilting precariously backward on two legs into the table behind them. Ron caught it before it crashed into the other diners.
âSorry âbout that,â Ron said, as Hermione brushed by him on her way to the dance floor. âWait, Hermione! Come back here!â
Hermione stopped centimeters from Harry and Ginny, her eyes focused on their joined hands. Ginny opened an eye inquisitorially. Hermione started to smile.
âHermione!â Ron said, coming up beside her.
âWhat is it?â Harry asked, as he and Ginny stopped moving.
âI think I know the answer,â Hermione said, clasping her hands around Harry and Ginnyâs and looking up to meet their eyes. âYouâve got it in you already.â
âIâm lost,â Ginny said, eyeing her friend a little warily.
âLetâs go for a boat ride and Iâll explain,â Hermione said, marching off in Hagridâs direction.
Hagrid grinned at them as they approached. âHavinâ a good Valentineâs Day?â he asked, motioning for one of the waiting boats to glide up to the dock.
âYes, thank you, Hagrid,â Hermione said, climbing into the front of the boat.
âNow, no rockinâ the boats on the lake,â Hagrid cautioned, as he helped Ginny into the back. âI donâ want tâ âave tâ swim after the lot oâyeh,â Hagrid said, tapping the boat with his pink umbrella and sending them off with a wave.
Once they were safely out of earshot, Hermione clasped her hands in her lap and leaned forward.
âI think I figured out how to protect Ginny during the spell,â she said excitedly. âItâs in you already. You donât have to do a thing! Itâs really brilliant and itâs all your mumâs doing, Harry. And yours, too, Ginny.â
âWhat do you mean?â Harry asked.
âAlright, the first part of the spell is an Obliteration type charm, right?â Hermione said patiently. âIn order to do it, you two have to be connected which you can do through your bond. You have to be connected because Ginny on her own would not have enough power to break Voldemortâs bond. But together you would. The fear is when you combine magic and then perform the Obliteration Charm to destroy your bond within Voldemort, you will die. But your bond with Harry in Harry isnât broken.â
âWe know all this, Hermione,â Ginny said.
âI know, but think of what else is in your bond. Itâs your motherâs blood protection. You gave it to Harry. He can give it back. I read your motherâs research, Harry,â Hermione said breathlessly, her eyes bright with excitement. âSanguis is the study of Progeny Magic. Progeny Magic is fueled by love, and that was abundant between you and your mother, both of you. When you bonded, Ginny, you shared your mumâs love with Harry, but Harry also shared his motherâs love with you. That, on top of the fact your bond is one based on true love, it makes your bond within each other unbreakable. No Obliteration Charm can break a love match like that. Itâs impossible.â
âWhy is it impossible?â Ginny whispered.
âBecause true love is immortality in its purest form,â Hermione recalled, Borginâs words from so long ago echoing in the night. âAnd there isnât anything purer than a motherâs love.â
âAre you sure?â Ron asked skeptically. âIs it really that simple?
Ginnyâs hand squeezed Harryâs as she nodded. âA motherâs love is. At the registration, Mum told me that for a mother there isnât anything greater than loving a child and thatâs what gives a baby the protection.â
âThat still doesnât mean she might not die,â Harry said quietly.
âHarry, listen to me,â Hermione said, resting her hand on Harryâs knee. âYour bond is protected. Through that, you can give Ginny the will to live. You can keep her alive. You love her enough that you can do it. I know it.â
Harryâs eyes bored into Hermioneâs, seeking any remnant of doubt she might have. There was none to be found.
âIt will work, Harry,â Hermione said earnestly. âAt least in theory. Harry, youâve proved everyone wrong once and lived because you were protected by your motherâs love. Iâm certain it will work again.â
âHow?â he asked, his voice a hoarse whisper. âHow do I pull her through?â
âThrough the ribbons,â Ginny said, her voice quiet but confident. âYouâve manipulated them before. You can do it again. It might take some work, but you can do it.â
âWill you teach me?â Harry asked, looking down at her beside him.
Ginny smiled gently. âWeâll start tomorrow.â
As the boat approached the dock, Harry leaned down to place a soft kiss on Ginnyâs lips. The nagging anxiousness still inhabited his heart, but it felt lighter. As he pulled away, he heard Ron snort and something jab him in the side.
âHere,â Ron said, keeping his eyes averted. âIâll buy another.â
Harry chuckled as he looked down at the Invisishield in his hand.
âOh, let them get their own,â Hermione said, placing a hand on Ronâs knee. âIâm thinking we might need it. Want to go around again?â she asked, smiling invitingly at Ron. Ron grabbed the package out of Harryâs hand and waved them off as they climbed out of the boat.
âGo! Dance! Bye,â he said, ripping the package open to the sound of Harry and Ginnyâs dockside laughter.
âWell,â Ginny said, smiling up at Harry.
âYeah,â Harry grinned back. âWant to go make some fireworks of our own?â
âHarry!â Ginny grinned. âThatâs rather risquĂ© of you to suggest such a thing.â
âWhat? I was thinking of these,â Harry replied innocently, pulling out the box of hand held fireworks he had purchased from Fred and George earlier. âWhat did you think I meant?â
Ginny giggled and swatted his arm. âYou know exactly what I meant, which means you were thinking it, too.â
Hand in hand, they walked past the dancers and back up the boardwalk until they came across a quiet looking offshoot and headed down it. The little path meandered back, around several trees to a small platform where a bench sat overlooking the grounds. Ginny stopped as the bench came into view and squinted. She giggled as she made out two familiar silhouettes, plastered together, enthusiastically enjoying the privacy.
âHarry,â Ginny whispered loudly, elbowing Harry in the side. âLooks like weâll have to find someplace else for fireworks.â
In a flash, the couple on the bench shot apart and looked up.
âGinny!â Joanna said, scooting back toward Neville when she saw who it was. âGo away. This bench is taken.â
âJoanna!â Neville admonished, hoping the darkness covered his flushed cheeks.
Ginny giggled. âYou two having fun?â
âWe were,â Joanna replied dryly.
âDonât let us keep you, then,â Harry said, tugging Ginny back down the path.
âNo, wait!â Neville said standing up. Harry and Ginny turned. Neville glanced down at Joanna who smiled and nodded.
âWe, uh, we wanted to tell you,â Neville said, âweâre going to do the bonding ceremony.â
âReally?â Ginny breathed.
Joanna snorted.
âReally,â Neville replied rolling his eyes.
Ginny squealed and flung herself at Joanna then Neville. âI promise,â she said, squeezing them tight, âI will do my best!â
âHey, you guys want to see some fireworks?â Harry asked, digging out the box from his pocket.
âExcellent!â Neville exclaimed, checking out the box.
âStand back,â Harry warned, as he held them out on his palm and pointed his wand at the wick. âThese are from Fred and George - and Joanna canât heal you yet, Neville.â
The sound of laughter was soon drowned out by the whiz, whir and boom of the Weasley Wizarding Wheezes Fireworks for Two.
++++
âJoanna Blevins!â
Cold slapped Joanna in the face as she jerked back from Neville for the second time that evening. She could feel the heat radiating from her cheeks. She felt instant nervous sweat bead along her hairline. She was torn between mortification and a growing sense of fear of what that voice meant. Joanna swallowed, stepped out of the alcove in the seventh floor corridor and opened her eyes.
âHello, Mum,â she said faintly.
She felt Nevilleâs hand slip into hers and a sense of warmth began to thaw the fear inside her. She glanced at Neville through her eyelashes. He was as pink in the cheeks as she was. âUh, this is Neville Longbottom, Mum.â
âHello, Neville,â Vivian Maddox-Blevins said, holding out her hand as she studied him.
âHello, Mrs. Blevins,â Neville said, firmly shaking her hand with his free one.
Vivianâs eyes passed over her daughterâs slightly disheveled clothes to the fleeting glance Joanna shot Neville to the entwined hands. She fought the smile that threatened to pop out and embarrass her daughter further. Inside, though, she allowed herself to jump up and down with joy for her youngest daughter. Joanna was just like she was and she hadnât let a boy muss her up until she was knee deep in love and sure he was, too.
Vivian pulled her daughter into a hug, kissing the side of her head and closed her eyes.
âAh, there you are. Good, you found Joanna.â
Vivian looked up at her husband Milton as he strolled purposefully down the corridor. Vivian felt Joannaâs shoulders slump and she realized her daughter knew why they were here. She then read the expression on Nevilleâs face as a mixture of fear, concern and heart wrenching love for her daughter. Vivian squeezed Joannaâs shoulders and released her.
âHi, Dad,â Joanna said, stepping into her fatherâs arms.
âHello, sweetie. Iâm sorry for the short notice, but it was convenient for Mum and I to come now. And who is this?â Milton asked as Joanna stepped back. âMilton Blevins.â
âNeville Longbottom,â Neville replied a little nervous, shaking Joannaâs Dadâs hand.
âNice to meet you, Neville Longbottom. Now, Joanna, in light of not wanting to interrupt this eveningâs festivities and the fact I have business in Hogsmeade tomorrow, Professor Dumbledore has graciously given your mother and I accommodations for the evening. When Iâm done, we can then all return home. It shouldnât take you too long to pack, especially if you arenât in classes. Joanna, you look a little pale, are you alright?â Milton asked, looking at his daughter with concern.
Joanna exhaled shakily and looked at her mother for help. Vivian smiled gently at her.
âMilton, letâs not disrupt their evening any longer,â Joannaâs mum said, taking her husband by the arm. âIâm exhausted and youâve got a big day tomorrow. We can finish discussing this in the morning.â
âDiscussing what in the morning?â Milton asked. âThere isnât any reason for discussion.â
âYes, there is,â Joanna said, finding her voice.
âNo, there isnât. I owled you that if the attacks continued, you would be coming home.â
âBut sir, Hogwarts is safe,â Neville argued, Miltonâs words sinking in. Joanna smiled encouragingly at him.
âYes, but Neville, so is our home and in times like these, Iâd like to have my family close by.â
âDad, I donât want to go. I want to stay here,â Joanna said, her voice gaining strength with each word.
Miltonâs eyes traveled from his daughterâs face, flushed with annoyance to Nevilleâs face, flushed with embarrassment. For the first time, his eyes traveled over their entwined hands. A sinking feeling began to form in the pit of his stomach. When in love, the Belvins women were practically impossible to budge. He felt his wifeâs hands encircle his arm and gently squeeze.
âLetâs talk about this in the morning,â Vivian suggested, pulling Milton away. âYou two sleep well. It was nice meeting you, Neville. Goodnight, Joanna. We love you.â
âI - I love you, too,â Joanna replied dejectedly as her mother firmly lead her father down the corridor.
Vivian glanced back over her shoulder and saw Joanna rest her forehead on Nevilleâs shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close for comfort.
+++++
A/N â“ Thank you, thank you to wvchemteach for suggesting Fred and George be silenced and to Anya for liking that bit the best â“ you guys are awesome betas!
And to bogus7 - my many, many thanks for taking time out of saving the world to read my story!
Iâd like to take a few lines and comment on the last chapter. For all the reviews, mails, questions, complaints, comments and encouragement â“ Thank You! I have truly appreciated every one of them. One of things Iâve learned writing this story is I canât expect to please everyone because we all bring different expectations to the table. As I tell my son, if we were all the same, how boring would that be?
For those of you who think I should have suspended Malfoy, well, in hindsight, you have an excellent point and I probably should have. For those of you wondering whatâs happened to all the wonderful canon characters JKR has given us to play with â“ donât worry. Theyâll be back in full force, starting with this chapter. The previous two or so chapters I took some time to explore some characters near and dear to my heart â“ isnât that part of the beauty of fan fiction anyway?
As I said, I so appreciate all your feedback â“ it is what makes me a better writer and this a better story. So, please, keep it coming! Enjoy - Katy