It was a less-than-graceful landing from the Portkey in the parlor of Grimmauld Place. Almost everyone stumbled silently to stay on their feet, stumbling on the events of the evening as they were now being processed and involuntary accepted into their minds. The Burrow now bore the Dark Mark, even if for a moment, it was something that could not be undone. George Weasley most likely would bare the scar, whether in the flesh over a healed wound or in a dark corner of memories best left forgotten.
“I want you all to have a seat.” Lupin waved his hand at the sofa and chairs. “You need to know what happened tonight and more importantly why.”
Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione all sat on the sofa, sandwiched together as if to take whatever Lupin had to say as one, it would lessen the blow. Tonks muttered something about drinks and left for the kitchen, apparently she did not want to be a part of the conversation that was about to take place. All eyes were now on Lupin who turned toward the fireplace, his forearm leaning on the mantle as he gazed into the fire below.
“I’m sure George will recover just fine. It was lucky that he was wearing that dragon-hide jacket, I don’t need to tell you what would have happened if he was not.” Lupin did not leave the fireplace as he let a moment pass in silence.
Ginny and Hermione were stifling sobs. Ron was pale but resolute, grasping Ginny’s hand to comfort her as Ginny took Hermione’s in friendship and support. Harry was doing his best to prevent the aching feelings of guilt from burrowing further into his stomach like a parasite.
“I did not betray you or your friends Harry.” Lupin turned and looked directly into all their faces, then with an air of reluctance he added, “It was not you, directly, that they were after.”
Harry opened his mouth in an attempt to ask who had been the target of the attack when Lupin raised his hand and silently cut him off.
“Your family was the target tonight,” He said to Ron and Ginny, “more specifically, your father.”
“Why? What has Dad done, do they know about the Order?” Ginny was left wordless when Lupin turned back towards the fireplace.
“Do you know what happened today?” He asked.
Ron answered, “No, we don’t know anything. Nobody has said a word to us.”
“Does it have to do with the meeting Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had at the Ministry today?” Hermione asked.
“As a matter of fact, I believe that it does.” Lupin left the fire and now settled himself down into the wing-backed chair Harry had taken while watching Ginny sleep.
“The Wizengamot held a closed-door hearing earlier this week, much like the one they held for you Harry. With the recent events at the Ministry of Magic, it was clear that Dumbledore was right all along. A vote of no-confidence was taken on Fudge which passed unanimously, unseating him from power.”
“So who’s the new Minister?” Ron asked, even though he thought he knew the answer he would get.
“It’s not your Dad, Ron. It’s Amelia Bones.”
Harry had remembered that name from his hearing. She had been on his side; she was the Aunt of Susan Bones who lost several family members to Voldemort during the first war;
“Dumbledore was offered the position outright, but declined. Ms. Bones was the head of Magical Law Enforcement. Her name, along with others, including your father, was put forth to replace Fudge. A vote was taken and Ms. Bones was elected.”
“That doesn’t explain why Death Eaters were at the Burrow.” Ron suppressed anger of not getting answers fast enough was evident. “Why did they attack, if it wasn’t for us?”
“Ms. Bones selected your father for the position of Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. Your father had quite a number of votes for Minister, he is known as a decent, hard-working man within the Ministry, despite his lack of promotions. With his experience with Muggles and the belief of equality between so-called pure-bloods and half-bloods, it was a smart move on the part of Ms. Bones to offer him the position. The meeting your parents had today was with the new Minister, to accept the position and receive a sustaining vote from the Wizengamot.”
“I bet Percy loved that.” There was a hint of satisfaction in Ron’s voice. Harry had been thinking the same thing.
“Percy is another matter, Ron. One in which I am not qualified nor have the business to address.” Lupin gave Ron a reproachful look.
“So, Dad’s the new Senior Undersecretary.” Ginny stammered, “And Voldemort doesn’t like it.”
“Yes, it would be fair to say that Ginny.” With that, Lupin rose from the chair and started to pace in front of them, directing his comments to the floor. “Voldemort lost an unwilling ally in Fudge whose blind eye to his return provided cover for him, while he was implementing his strategy to take control. Now that Voldemort’s return has been accepted by the community-in-large as fact, it makes it harder for him and his followers to operate. What better way to cause confusion and mistrust than to take out a newly elected governing body and intimidate other potential candidates.”
No one said a word as Lupin paused, formulating how he was going to proceed. “When we returned from your birthday parties,” Lupin pointed his finger absently from Harry and Ginny, “all was quiet, we had not heard of any plans of attack from our sources within the Order. Three hours later, we were alerted that Death Eaters arrived at the home of Ms. Bones; the same time intruders had entered the Burrow. Apparently Fred and George knew moments before the rest of us did and were the first to arrive at the scene.”
“But if they couldn’t see us, any of us-“ Harry managed to spit out before Lupin cut him off again.
“If they destroyed the house with all of you in it, it doesn’t matter if they could see you or not, the out come would have been the same for all of you, serious injury or death.”
Lupin took his seat again as the others watched. He could see their minds working, putting the attack on the Burrow in context with the new information.
The guilt that Harry had been feeling swelled inside and spilled out his mouth.
“So, it’s still my fault... that we were in danger, that I put all of us in harms way, that George is at St. Mungos... If I hadn’t suggested it to Dumbledore we’d-“
“Harry, don’t blame yourself,” Lupin leaned forward onto his knees and looked directly at Harry, his eyebrows raised. “If Dumbledore did not think that it was important for you to be at the Burrow, then he would not have arranged for all of you to go.”
“But-“ Harry was again cut off. He was getting quite annoyed with it actually as he felt his temper rise.
“Lupin’s right, Harry.” It was Ron.
“Dumbledore knows what he’s doing.” Hermione continued.
“It’s not your fault,” Ginny now joined in with a nervous laugh, “you’ve been marked with your scar Harry, we’ve been marked with Weasley-red hair.”
Everyone was silent as the words Ginny spoke sunk in. She had struck a chord. She had struck the unavoidable truth of the situation the Weasley family now met head on.
“Now then,” Lupin said as he stood up yet again, “I’m sure your parents will be less than thrilled with the information I have just relayed to you.” With a small laugh he added, “I may not have a scar on my forehead or Weasley-red hair, but I’ll no doubt be marked by Mrs. Weasley myself when she finds out.”
“Oh, yeah thanks for filling us in.” Said Ron as he got up, grabbed his backpack and made for the stairs.
“Thanks.” Hermione and Ginny made an attempt to sound grateful, as they too took their things and headed upstairs, leaving only Lupin and Harry left in the parlor.
“I’m sure George will be fine, I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything.” Lupin said reassuringly to the others as they climbed out of sight.
Harry continued to stare into the flames. He had appreciated the words in which is friends had said in regard to his feelings of liability, but the guilt still lingered.
“Look Harry, they’re right you know.” Lupin was standing in front of him, his hands tucked into the pockets of his tattered sweater, “It’s not your fault. This is war. This is what happens. Like it or not, some things, most things, are out of your control. Mr. Weasley knew that accepting this position could, as Miss Weasley put it so eloquently, mark him and his family openly against Voldemort.”
“Still, if I hadn’t asked Dumbledore to go-“ Guilt was oozing again from Harry’s lips.
“Harry, what did you learn this week at the Burrow? What did you gain?” Lupin was daring him to think past self-reprehension.
“Well, I talked a lot with Ron, him and Hermione have an understanding. I’ve gotten to know Ginny better and,” Not sure if he should tell Lupin about the incident in the garden before the Death Eaters arrived, continued. “I just don’t think that it was worth the risk, worth George almost getting killed or anyone else for that matter, not worth it for me.”
“A witch once told me that sometimes it’s by the small and seemingly insignificant moments in life our lives in which great things are born and the tribulations we face, no matter how hopeless, are brought to pass. Remember that Harry.” Lupin’s eyes sparkled as he smiled at a confused looking Harry, leaving that morsel of advice he joined Tonks in the kitchen.
............................................................................
Ginny, Ron, and Hermione had all been waiting for Harry up in his and Ron’s room. Harry told them that Lupin was just trying to make sure that he didn’t feel at fault for what happened, as that summed up the conversation best.
They had all stayed awake to hear word from someone - anyone about George’s condition until Tonks ushered the girls out and back to bed a few hours later. Sometime in the night, he and Ron fell asleep. Harry didn’t sleep well, though he doubted that he was the only one.
“Oy! Wake up!”
Harry reached blindly for his glasses on the nightstand before opening his eyes. There were three blurry redheads in the bed next to him. One was Ron, the other Fred...
“George!” Harry sat up on the edge of his bed as he pushed his glasses on. “You’re okay?”
“Oh yeah, you can’t get rid of a Weasley that easily you know!” George answered.
“You’ve been trying to get rid of Ron for the last five years.” Fred said seriously as Ron glared at him.
“And had a valiant go at it too, but even you, the mighty Harry Potter, Boy-Who-Lived, haven’t been successful yet.” George smiled.
“George!” Ginny burst into the room and flung herself around him as he turned his other shoulder, bracing for the impact.
“Hey, don’t send me back to St. Mungos, Ginny. I just got back.” George said through clenched teeth.
Harry could see a slight bulge under his shirt where he assumed a dressing covered his wound. George had not been completely healed.
“Oh, I’m sorry... I’m just glad you’re all right.” Ginny took what little room there was left on Ron’s bed as she sat between Fred and George.
Hermione, unnoticed by Ginny’s excitement, had settled down on the foot of Harry’s bed. “What did they say it was? Do they know what spell you were hit with?”
“Na, it was a nasty one though.” George answered shaking his head.
“I think we should all invest in dragon-hide clothing, make a fashion statement you know, it seems to attract the girls- you could use it Ron.” Fred elbowed the point home into Ron’s ribs. “You need all the help you can get.”
“Not that we need the extra help, mind you.” George ran his fingers through his hair, tossing his head dramatically as he spurred a cheeky smile that would have won any Witch Weekly contest.
“I’m sure you two have throngs of women goggling after you.” Ginny snorted as she rolled her eyes.
“Good morning, all of you.” Mr. Weasley stood in the doorway looking tired but cheery nonetheless.
Ginny cleared her throat importantly, “Good morning Mr. Senior Undersecretary to the Minister.”
“You’ve heard?” Mr. Weasley looked slightly surprised.
“Lupin told us last night.” Ron said, his hand still clutching his ribs. “You’re not mad, are you?”
“No, we were meaning to tell you later, didn’t want to ruin Harry and Ginny’s day. Unfortunately, Voldemort thought sooner was better.” Mr. Weasley turned to leave before he added, “Best not mention it to Mum... She’s got breakfast ready. Oh, she wants you to behave yourself George, don’t do anything you don’t feel up to...etc. etc. etc.” Finished Mr. Weasley as he swatted lazily at an invisible fly, smiled and headed downstairs.
Breakfast was agreeable, although Harry’s body wasn’t too excited about being put to use after a long night. Looking around the table, he saw that everyone looked like he felt; tired, relieved, and worried, covered by a hint of excitement. Mrs. Weasley set the dishes on the table before joining the rest of the group. Lupin was seated near the middle of the table, Harry was sure that he was keeping his distance from Mrs. Weasley.
After eating in relative silence, only making light conversation between bites, Mr. Weasley began to tell them about Fudge, the new Minister of Magic, his promotion to Senior Undersecretary and the subsequent Death Eater attack. It was a brilliant performance by all, Ginny’s gasps of ‘oh, Dad...no!’ followed by Hermione’s usual questions and Ron’s fervent “Bloody Hell!” The best Harry could do was muster up an _expression of what he thought was troubled concern mingled with surprise but he caught a split-second eye roll from Ginny and knew his acting skills were left wanting. By the time they were finished, Mrs. Weasley, from the looks of it, had been hoodwinked. Only Lupin’s surprise at the melodrama that played out before him would have given it away.
As the last bits of toast were nibbled on, Professor McGonagall swept into the kitchen with a stack of letters in her hand.
“I thought I’d deliver these myself.” She said while handing out each envelope. “These are for you, Mr. Weasley and you, Miss Granger.... there you go Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley.”
Harry suddenly felt every bite of breakfast hit his stomach at once. He looked at Ron, who was staring the top envelope in an effort to read the contents before he opened it. Harry knew that Divination wasn’t Ron’s or his, as a matter-of-fact, most successful subject, but admired the attempt he was putting forth. He then turned to Hermione who looked a bit unnerved as well when she whispered, “O.W.L.s”.
“Well, go on you three! We’re all waiting.” Mrs. Weasley seemed to be the only person who looked forward to hearing the results.
“Give them a minute, Molly.” Mr. Weasley leaned back into his chair as he wiped his glasses clean with the edge of his jumper.
“Look, I’m sure that you all have done excellent in Defense Against the Dark Arts thanks to the extra-curricular efforts of a certain illegal society. I would hate for you to miss my N.E.W.T. classes.” Lupin said reassuringly, but it was obvious by the lack of reaction he got that they didn’t hear a word he’d said.
“Well, best to get it over with.” Hermione had run her finger under the seal, opening her letter.
Everyone was watching her for visual confirmation, as she did not read it aloud. It must have been good, Harry thought, her face relaxed when she finished the letter.
Refusing to bow to the goads from Fred and George, Hermione asked, “Are you going to open yours or not?”
“Yeah, we’ll get right on it then. Shall we do it together, Harry?” Ron swallowed hard, he was begging for a way out.
“On the count of three then.” Harry replied, grateful not to be the center of attention as Hermione had been.
“One” They said in unison, “two, three.”
He could hear Ron rip his letter open as Harry did the same to his. Well, I can’t change it now, he thought. His eyes raced through the opening remarks and landed on what mattered most, his scores. He scanned his marks quickly, looking for any P’s. To his relief, there were none. Harry had honestly been worried about Potions, but saw that he earned, amazingly enough, an Outstanding. If it wasn’t for help from Professor McGonagall and Hermione, he felt surely that it would’ve been a P. The brightest spots were the O’s he received for Care of Magical Creatures and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Concluding that his results were better than he expected, he looked up at Ron who was still reading his scores. Harry could tell because his lips were mouthing soundless words as his eyes darted from side to side and up and down.
When Ron had finished he looked up at Harry and asked with a blank face, “Well?”
“Good, and you?” Harry wasn’t about to reveal anything except for a suppressed grin.
“Good,” Ron grinned as well, then he and Harry turned towards Hermione, expecting her to go on about all of her O’s.
“Hermione?” Ron asked.
“Good.” She flushed slightly and repeated, “Good.”
“Oh, come off it!” Fred smacked the edge of the table. He and George were disappointed at the lack of information. “Good doesn’t tell us anything.”
“Mind yourselves! They’ll tell us if and when they want. It’s none of your business.” Mrs. Weasley admonished the twins, “Except for you, Ron. Hand them here.”
Reluctantly, Ron handed over his results to Mrs. Weasley, afraid that she might read them aloud to everyone. His mother and father leaned together to view its contents at the same time.
“Good.” Mr. Weasley smiled back at Ron, he looked pleased.
“Good!” Mrs. Weasley was positively beaming as Ron’s face went red.
“Well, it’s all good then!” Lupin chuckled with everyone else in the room except for an agitated set of twins.
“Thanks for bringing these, Professor, among other things.” Harry said to her as she took a sip of tea.
“You’re quite welcome, Potter. I’m assuming my vow to you and that Umbridge woman is still in effect?” She winked at Harry and took another sip.
“Yep, I’m afraid so.” Harry smirked. He felt a wicked satisfaction that he, along with Professor McGonagall, continued to defy Umbridge with his success whether she knew it or not.
Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione opened the rest of their letters, they were the usual ‘Welcome Back to Hogwarts’ and supply lists. School was just around the corner and more than ever he looked forward to going back.
........................................................................
The days seemed to pass in a blur since their return to Grimmuald Place, but Harry couldn’t put his finger on exactly what is was that caused them to do so, they hadn’t been doing much of anything in particular. They celebrated Ginny’s birthday by teasing her relentlessly. She received gifts of practical jokes instigated by her brothers that had made for an interesting day, even Mrs. Weasley and Lupin got in on the pranks. Ron and Hermione always disappeared in the late afternoons; Harry decided that he wouldn’t ask until they were ready to tell him.
Unfortunately, there were no grounds to walk so he couldn’t ask Ginny for a turn, which he missed more than he thought he would. They hadn’t talked privately since his birthday. Considering he had unintentionally infringed on her presence, which she forcefully put a stop too, Ginny seemed to have forgotten the whole incident. At least she didn’t say or do anything that would give Harry reason to believe that she’d figured out what really happened. However, when Ron and Hermione left, Ginny, more often than not, seemed too preoccupied with something else.
‘Just talk with her you big dummy.’ Harry thought one afternoon as he slouched on the parlor sofa, watching Ginny contemplate what to write next on her ever-increasing parchment as she sprawled out on the hearthrug.
“Miss Weasley?” Harry said sitting up properly, taking up the ritual beginnings of their walks.
“Hmm?” Ginny squeaked, still brushing the feather tip on her cheek as her eyes were still glazed over in thought.
“Miss Weasley,” Harry didn’t know what to say next. He was flying by the seat of his pants, hoping that something would just come to him. “-er, would you like to doing something- together?”
‘That was brilliant, way to go!’ Harry kicked himself as he looked to the dingy white ceiling. He could hear Ginny’s quill scratching the parchment.
Without being distracted from what she was doing, Ginny replied, “Umm, not right now. Thanks though.”
“Oh, sure. I can see that you’re busy, sorry.” Harry was forcing himself to be nonchalant in his reply, feeling a bit disheartened by her lack of interest. “Are you doing a summer assignment?”
“No, I’m writing to Dean actually.” Ginny was still engrossed with what Harry now knew was a love letter.
“Oh yeah, I forgot you had a boyfriend.” Harry eeked out a feeble laugh.
Ginny made a loopy, swirling pattern at the end of the parchment and then proceeded to roll it up. “We haven’t written much this summer. With the owls being restricted on how much they come and go, not to mention the fact that I’m here and things have been.... a bit crazy to say the least.” Harry watched her as she capped the inkbottle. “We have a lot to catch up on.”
“Yeah, I suppose you would.” His answer was automatic and void of any thought. “I bet you’re excited to be back together at Hogwarts, then.”
“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?” Ginny smiled as she got up off the floor, “Aren’t you excited go back.”
“Anything is better then being cooped up here. Well, apart from the Dursleys that is.” Harry slouched back down into the cushions, answering more to himself.
Ginny wasn’t interested in his reply either, “Harry? Do you mind if I use Hedwig?”
“Sure, why not. She’ll enjoy a chance to get out. I’ll go get her.” He wasn’t sure why he felt so glum.
“I’ll go with you then.” Ginny beamed.
They entered his room to find Hedwig fast asleep. Harry woke her up gently, but she still looked miffed at the disturbance.
“I need you to deliver something for Ginny.” He told her.
Ginny reached out to Hedwig as she held out her leg in acceptance. When she had finished attaching the roll, Ginny stroked her soft feathers and whispered “thanks”.
Hedwig hopped onto Harry’s outstretched arm. He had been hoping earlier that another temperamental female would have laid claim to it this afternoon, someone other than his owl. Harry walked Hedwig to the window and opened it up; she took off with one strong swoop of her wings. Harry leaned into the casement, resting his head against the hard surface of the wood moldings. Ginny was standing next to him, so close that he could feel her breath against his neck; he could sense her over his shoulder as they both watched his snowy owl swallowed up in the distance against the azure colored sky.
“Thanks again.” Ginny called back as she exited the room.
“No problem.” Harry said as he continued to gaze out the window. He couldn’t help but feel an inexplicable sense of loss marked by Hedwig’s departure.
........................................................................
A buzz of excitement radiated inside the house as the early morning light filtered through the curtains of Grimmauld Place. Today the four of them would be heading back to Hogwarts. Mrs. Weasley, with help from the twins, had managed to get all the supplies they needed from Diagon Alley. Ginny was vocal about her disappointment of not being able to visit Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes. Harry, Ron and Hermione felt the same way but thought better of provoking Mrs. Weasley’s wrath with constant pleas to go.
Harry was excited to play Quidditch again, provided that the life-long ban ended when Professor Umbridge left as Ginny suggested it would last spring. He looked forward to homework, schedules, and the D.A., not that he was going to let Hermione in on that secret. It would help take his mind off an impending future to which he was almost certain of an unhappy outcome either way.
Harry noticed that Ron and Hermione had a touch of that ‘old magic’ back. She had been pestering him to remember to pack this or that and kept checking in on his progress regularly. Ron was agitated and rightly so, he didn’t seem to mind telling her off a bit. Harry wasn’t an expert on relationships by any stretch. He needed to be told just like Ron, about everything concerning girls’ odd behavior by Hermione. But thought their sudden outbreak of rows had something to do with returning back to Hogwarts where their ‘understanding’ would be thrust into the general school population. Harry didn’t see why it would matter much, but tried to be sympathetic all the same.
It was a quarter to ten before everyone was loaded up into the Ministry car Mr. Weasley had procured to take them to Kings Cross. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Moody and Lupin accompanied them. They had some traffic to work around; a Muggle bus had jumped the curb while taking a sharp corner and took out what Harry had to explain was a fire hydrant. Muggles have been known to rubberneck, but Mr. Weasley took the cake.
They arrived a few minutes early giving them enough time to store their things and return for proper good-byes. Harry made to give a hug to Lupin, when he laughed at his gesture.
“Harry, I’m coming with you.” Lupin patted a trunk on the trolley. “You don’t think I’d bring all of this just to see you off, do you?”
Harry was taken aback. He couldn’t help the look of mild confusion and shock on his face. Was he going back to Hogwarts to keep a closer eye on him?
Hermione, Ron, and Ginny had filled the gaps around them, all looking perplexed at Lupin’s smile and Harry’s gaped mouth.
“Professor Lupin?” Hermione asked.
“Yes, it’s Professor Lupin.” He replied.
“He’s our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher,” Ginny said, pleased that she was the only one who had paid attention, “didn’t you hear him say that he hoped to see you three in his N.E.W.T. class? Oh, that’s right, you were too busy with your O.W.L. results to notice.”
“Bloody hell! That’s terrific!” Ron was first to offer his approval and congratulations.
Hermione, however, was critical when she tentively asked, “What about your condition, you know? I suppose some parents are still-“
Lupin’s smile faded somewhat as he knew Hermione’s questions were valid concerns. “The Headmaster has gone to great lengths to assure everyone that it will by no means endanger the students lives by retaining me for the position. Professor Snape will continue brewing my monthly cocktail and in my absence Mad-Eye Moody has graciously accepted as a substitute.” Lupin scanned for the whereabouts of the old ex-Auror and added in a whisper, “Apparently he was rather upset that he never earned the right to be called Professor Moody.”
They all chuckled but stopped abruptly when they heard the familiar ‘clunk’ behind them.
“You better not be giving away any secrets Remus.” Moody growled as a jagged smile broke across his disfigured face.
“Well, were glad to have you back then, Professor!” Hermione said quickly as she shook Lupin’s hand in a very business-like manner, not sure if the future Professor Moody was kidding around or not.
“Everything checks out, better get a move on.” Moody said as he ushered them to the train. “Constant vigilance.”
Ginny, Ron and Hermione left to go back to the compartment. Harry hung back and helped Lupin carry his trunk off the trolley and load it on board the Hogwarts Express.
“We’re glad you’re coming back, I’m glad you’re coming back. You were the best...” Harry was finding it hard to tell Lupin exactly what it was he meant to say.
“I understand, Harry.” His new guardian had a knack for knowing just what to say and how to say it. “Don’t worry, I won’t cramp your style.”
Lupin entered an empty compartment and motioned Harry to shut the door behind him.
“You know that there are other reasons for my presence at Hogwarts this year and that it doesn’t have anything to do with teaching.”
“I know, you’re there to watch me.” Harry replied as he scooted the trunk under the seat.
“Not so much as to watch you, Harry, but its part of the job description. I want you to know that I’m here for you, if you want, when others can’t be.” He gave Harry a searching look, making sure that he understood what he was talking about.
“I think I understand.” Harry said as he made for the door.
Lupin sighed with wry face, “I’m sure your friends are waiting for you, enjoy your trip.”
Harry slid the door open, then turned around to face the now sitting Professor, “Thanks.” He said sincerely and left to find the others.
It wasn’t long before he ran into fellow housemates and D.A. members as he maneuvered through the crowded train corridor. All asked about his summer in which he replied with the usual “it was good, and yours?” in an effort to avoid talking about what really happened. Harry made it back to the compartment they had reserved towards the end of the train. Occupying the benches were Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood and Ginny.
Neville and Luna seemed to be immersed in a recent copy of The Quibbler, only noticing his presence when Ginny said hello.
“Oh hi, Harry.” Neville said, scooting away from Luna.
“Harry.” Luna batted her eyelashes in her usually dreamy way as she looked over her magazine. “Survived the summer I see.”
“Just barely, though.” Harry answered off-hand as he took a seat next to Ginny. If any one else besides his best friends could understand what he was up against, it was these two.
Harry seemed to notice that Neville had changed over the summer holidays. His face, though still round, now had distinct features. His eyes seemed to be set a little deeper, his nose more prominent and a jaw line had emerged from his once boyish looks. Harry was reminded of the picture of Frank Longbottom. Seeing Neville’s transformation, Harry suddenly woke up to the realization that they were all getting older, that life was moving forward.
“You alright, Harry?” Ginny asked him with slight concern as she watched Harry’s glazed-over eyes.
“Oh yeah, just thinking.” He shook his thoughts from his mind.
“Don’t jump the gun, Harry. We’ll be thinking again soon enough.” Neville laughed as he rejoined Luna and The Quibbler.
Harry returned the laugh, then fell silent once again.
“Ron and Hermione are at the usual Prefects meeting. I imagine that they’ll be back soon.” Ginny said while watching the city landscape roll by; stroking a complacent Crookshanks who had found refuge in her lap.
“Why are you here?” Harry instantly regretted his inquiry.
“What do you mean?” She turned to ask.
“Why aren’t you with Dean?”
“Oh, he’s with his friends catching up on summer news. Boys will be boys whether I’m there or not, so I’ll see him later.” Ginny seemed perfectly okay to take the sidelines to Deans’ friends. Harry on the other hand was torn between anger at her boyfriend’s lack of interest towards her and being grateful that he did.
“Do you not want me here?” She asked him flat out. Crookshanks gave a growl of irritation as Ginny stroked him a little too roughly.
“No...” Harry could tell she wasn’t happy with his first answer when he realized that she had taken it the wrong way. Neville and Luna surfaced from behind the magazine to watch what would happen next. “I mean yes.”
Backpedaling he continued, “Of course I don’t mind you here, why would I want you to go?”
Harry looked nervously to Neville and Luna. Neville shrugged and shook his head slightly telling him that he didn’t know what to say either. Luna was dreamy as usual, no help there. He dared to look back at Ginny, whose color was on the rise.
“Hey Neville... Luna.” Ron and Hermione saved the day.
They both said a quick ‘hi’ before retreating from what could become a blazing row.
“What’s wrong with you two?” Ron asked Ginny and Harry as he sat between them.
Hermione took a seat next to Harry.
“Nothing.” Harry answered before Ginny let loose.
“He said that he didn’t want me here. Then tried to get out of it.” Ginny was vehement.
“I’m sure you misunderstood, Ginny.” Hermione made an attempt to defuse the situation. “Isn’t that right, Harry?”
“Yeah, it is.” Neville answered for Harry, “He wasn’t being mean.”
“She didn’t ask you Neville!” Ginny rounded on him as Neville recoiled, then on Harry, expecting his answer.
“Look.” Harry put his hands up in defense, “I just asked why she wasn’t with her boyfriend, that’s all.”
Ron shuttered at the word ‘boyfriend’ but took control. “I would have wondered the same thing, Ginny.”
“Figured you’d take his side.” Ginny returned to glaring out the window.
Harry turned to Hermione who mouthed ‘Leave her alone’. It was advice that both he and Ron took.
“Is the Stupid-Six now down to the Filthy-Five?” Sneered Malfoy who was standing in the doorway. It had become a rite of passage, if you will, over the years to deal with his snide remarks on the way to and from Hogwarts.
“We can lower it even further if you’d like.” Malfoy was twirling his wand between his fingers.
“Shut up Malfoy.” Neville stood up before anyone could stop him.
Harry noticed that it wasn’t just Neville who had changed over the summer.
“Oh, still feeling brave I see. It’s a shame that you’re too much of an idiot to realize you’ll never amount to much of anything”. Malfoy’s eyes lit in malice. “Father said that you had a taste of what your parents, the losers that they were, couldn’t handle. Or did you forget about that too?”
Experience told Ron and Harry to jump up and restrain Neville who was shaking in anger.
“Shove it Malfoy!” Hermione got up and stood between the struggling boys and Malfoy and his cronies Crabbe and Goyle. “Your father, all of your fathers, are imprisoned.”
“Are they?” Malfoy was cool as he took a firm hold of his wand. “It would figure that this Mudblood is capable to spreading lies.”
Harry felt a surge of anger race through his heart; it had nothing to do with his scar. Something had hit Ron, Harry and Neville who stumbled as one to the side. Harry stuck out his arm to prevent them from falling on Luna.
Ginny had emerged from the behind the group and stood only inches from Malfoy. She was livid.
“Ginny, No!” Harry called after her; he had a feeling of what was on her mind.
“Get out.” Ginny’s voice was surprisingly calm which had the effect that she wanted.
Malfoy looked a bit unnerved, he along with everyone else, was expecting her to roar.
Reining in his courage, Malfoy whispered so that only Ginny could hear. “Daddy can’t save you, he’s still pathetic, your family is pathetic, you’re pathetic.”
Ginny did not flinch. Ron and Harry had released Neville who was no longer struggling. Everyone was stunned at the spectacle unfolding before them. Nobody knew what to expect next.
Malfoy eyed Ginny from the bottom up, stepped closer and then curled his lip in delight. Leaning his body into hers he took a deep breath from her neck, his lips grazing her ear. “You could be useful to me.” He hissed as he looked directly at Harry over her shoulder, then backed away to indulge himself in her fear.
This time it was Ginny who was knocked to the side as a blur of black flashed in front of her and a fist collided with Malfoy’s jaw. Ginny recovered her balance quickly to see Harry standing over Malfoy who was leaning on his knees, propped up against the corridor wall in an effort to stand. Crabbe and Goyle stood back, afraid of the rage burning in Harry’s eyes.
Touching his fingers to his split bottom lip and pulling a glistening strand of blood from his mouth, Malfoy cursed, “You’ll pay for that, you’ll all pay for that, for everything. Mark my words Potter, they’re as good as dead - she’s dead.” Malfoy spat blood at Harry’s feet before getting up and walking away, his cronies in tow.
Hermione took Ginny by the shoulders and sat her down next to Ron whose anger fell as his concern for his sister over-rode it.
“What did he say, Ginny, what did he say to you? Her brother asked.
“Nothing worth repeating.” There was finality in her voice that told them not to ask again.
Neville returned to his seat to hear Luna’s whisper ‘You are brave, you know.’
Harry stood there in the doorway, unable to move. He had absorbed the poison that Malfoy poured into her ear, he had felt the shiver Ginny gave off and it made him sick.
A/N: Kudos to Whizzbee and Bogus! Again, thanks for reading. Up next, Two Days Down & To The Right.