Categories > Books > Harry Potter > Love Has No Age
Chapter 28:- Ginny's Birthday
**
A/N: Thanks Malehorntaildragon.
**
McNair looked at the house as the flames started to lick the outside walls. Soon it would collapse and fall in on itself destroying the evidence of what he had done inside. He wasn't worried about being found out it was just he liked to keep some things private. The order from Voldemort was the one he had been dreaming of since his return, he was now free to indulge what he wanted to do, to use his magic on muggles, to get the pleasure he wanted from life.
The country without muggles wouldn't be perfect, there should always be a few around for him to terrorize. But for the moment there were far too many. The crackerling from the house told him that it would not be long before the walls started to give way. He had suspected that by now the muggle services would have arrived but obviously they were too busy or something else was stopping them from coming. Killing a few of them would have rounded the night off but he would just have to bask in the pleasures that the family had given him, before their death.
With his smile concealed beneath his mask he raised his wand for the final time, almost without conscious thought he sent the Dark Mark screaming into the air. The Ministry would now know that once more they could not stop Voldemort and McNair knew that tonight this would not be the only Mark in the sky.
**
Remus stood slightly apart from the rest as they surveyed the small village. Tonight was going to be his night; he knew that he was going to have to show them that tonight he was one of them. The mere thought of what he was going to do was turning his stomach but more worrying he could feel a sense of happiness deep within himself, the knowledge that for once he could let the beast fly.
For the past few days he had stayed with the pack living on the edge. No one really came and spoke to him and he knew that he was being watched constantly. It seemed that the pack worked as a small community they shared their food, cooking duties and other activities yet he was excluded. At night groups would sit together to talk and laugh but he was always left out. The only people who came close that didn't show hostility towards him were the two young men he had first met, they looked at him wearily yet with respect. Tonight would change all of that.
Greyback had come to him with a small group of men as the sun sank. Remus had tensed expecting a fight and one that he would not win but little was said just one word. "Come." and Remus had done so, he had followed the group. They had trekked for hours until now.
"So, friend, I offer you the first chance."
"Thank you." Replied Remus still trying to understand his own feelings. Slowly he walked forward towards the dark village. Each step took him closer not just to the village but to his destiny. His ear's picked up the faint noise of the others as they too moved with him towards the village. Movement from the village made him stop. A ghostly shadow flickered on a wall between two buildings. Remus could see that the shadow was of a man.
Feeling the beast within he started towards the man, his blood started to rise at the thought of killing. Braking away from safety of the darkness surrounding the village he ran into the gloomy light of the street. Walking calmly down it was a single man older than himself but not by much.
"You're mine." Growled Remus
"Who...who are you." Stammered the man as he stopped looking at the dishevelled person in front of him.
Remus didn't answer he walked forward with purpose he could feel his muscles shift almost of their own accord in preparation for the fight. He heard the noise of some of the people behind and glanced over his shoulder. Their behind him was Greyback and two others. Looking back at the man he could see the confusion on his face as Remus continued to approach.
As if to answer the question the man was asking a howl rent the air. It was long and menacing sending a chill through Remus's body but something within him reacted to it, it was like a bugle call. He felt alive and free, throwing his head hack he howled into the night as well. Rational thought was being driven away by instinct, this was what he was. The man looked at the small group for only a second before he ran. He turned and ran like the hounds of Satan were after him, and in a real sense they were.
Remus ran, he ran like he had done before when he was at Hogwarts as a teenager and he now knew that this is what he wanted. He let his legs fly beneath him, the distance to the man didn't close much but that was not the point, the chase was the point, the chase was what he living was for.
**
Tonks growled into the night as she looked at the remains of the cars before her. This was the third night in a row that she had been called to help with an attack. Three day's ago it had been like a switch, the whole department had been looking into Death Eater activity trying to understand or even find them. The attack's on the Bones's and the Alley had been shocking but little more had been found, surprisingly their had been no attacks since then. But then just like a snap of fingers it all changed, every night since and even once during the day attacks had been reported. Not large attacks just small ones probably done by a single person but always involving the Dark Mark.
This night she had been called to assist at a traffic accident. She didn't know much about the muggle forms of traffic, despite her father being muggleborn and wondered why she was being called. That thought ended when she had arrived on the scene. There was a collection of mangled cars and lorries all under the Dark Mark in the sky. She could see the muggle authorities searching and investigating the cause yet she instantly knew the answer. This was no accident, this was deliberate and it used magic.
The fake identity had allowed her to move around freely and she noticed a few members of the oblivator squad similarly moving around modifying what people had seen, but she couldn't help be moved as she saw the bodies being recovered from cars. The pools of blood on the ground being illuminated by the flashing lights of emergency vehicles sent shivers through her body.
"Tragic." Said a voice next to her.
Tonks turned away from the carnage before her to look at the man.
"It was no accident Kingsley."
"I never thought it was." He soberly replied.
"Was this the only one tonight?"
"No I've come from two other incidents already."
Tonks blanched slightly at this news, so many attacks so many deaths and she was powerless to stop it. She had become an Auror to stop this from happening but here she was, just cleaning the mess up afterwards. Glancing around to see that they were alone she asked.
"Any ideas?"
"Plenty but no proof."
Tonks felt a small tear in her eye form, raising her hand he brushed it away but her mind kept telling her the reason for all of this.
"It's...it's started hasn't it."
Kingsley looked into the dark night. Tonks was bright, she might appear clumsy to most but she was still bright. He was still going through training at the end of the last war but he still had the cuttings from the papers.
"I think so."
"The...the others said it was like this."
"It wasn't."
"What?"
"It was worse; this is just a taster it will get worse."
Tonks looked back at the cars as a squeal of groaning metal announced that another body had been freed from its metal coffin.
"Worse than this?"
"Oh yes this is Him letting a few of his people off the leash. When it really starts we'll know it, that I'm certain." Grimly replied Kingsley as he looked up into the sky as The Mark slowly faded away.
**
Remus felt so alive chasing the man. It wasn't luck or fortune that had made the man head for the woods a small part of Remus's mind registered that the man was being carefully herded into the woods. He could feel every muscle in his body sing with the joy of the chase but soon it would be over. The man was tiring and soon Remus would be upon him. With every leap and bound it brought him closer to the man and close to his ultimate destiny.
The man's legs began to falter so Remus slowed his pace as well, instinct was telling him to wait be prepared for the final dash, make sure that the prey was truly exhausted before launching for the kill. There was a stumble followed by a second, Remus knew that this to be the time. With a sharp burst of speed he closed the distance to the back of the man. He flung out his hand catching the man across the top of the head he fell almost instantly sprawled in leaves and branches that littered the floor.
Remus spun and looked at his prey. He could see the chest rising and falling quickly as the man tried to suck in the oxygen that his body needed to survive. Remus's nose detected the faint smell of blood in the air. Looking closely he saw the traces of it matted in the man's hair. The smell would make the next moments perfect. Looking at the now gathering group of werewolves he smiled a tight smile at Grayback. The final traces within Remus of disgust at what he was doing fell as his instinct fully took over. With a loud snarl and bearded teeth he dropped for the final moment.
The man tried to struggle but the fight or the fall had finished him. The single ear piercing scream filled the night but was quickly replaced by the softer noise of gurgling as the man finally died. Remus looked up at those around him he could taste the coppery substance in his mouth but was pleased to see the small smile on Greyback as he nodded at him, all those around let fly with their own howls to announce to the world that they had one more pack member.
**
For those currently at Grimmauld place they had fallen into a routine very quickly. For the past number of days the group had done virtually the same things. It wasn't that they weren't concerned about what was happening outside, far from it. It was that for the moment their concerns centred on what they could individually or possibly as a group do. But inevitability the teenagers just spent their time, studying, reading, cleaning, or trying to find a secluded spot away from the eye's of Mrs Weasley for a snog.
The one item everybody noticed was the lack of people in the house. Harry had privately started to wonder why Mr or Mrs Weasley never left them in the evening but little came of that, yet he knew that something was different than last year, when he eventually asked about The Order meetings he was surprised to find that they were meeting other places but both Mr and Mrs Weasley were very vague about it all. The house had been the centre of the fight, people moving in and out talking muttering, planning but now it seemed quiet almost as though the Order didn't exist. Shaking these feelings away Harry started to think about the house more.
They had also yet to finish the exploration of the house and for some reason Harry was beginning to feel a little protective of his "own" floor. Every thing about the floor seemed to tell him that this place was his only retreat and if he started to show it off it would just become like the rest of the house. He had owned so little but now as he owned a whole house he wanted a part of it to be just his, for him alone and no one else.
The days at Grimmauld Place past were almost identical for all. Harry would awake alone in his room still feeling safe. They would all meet up for breakfast where both Mr Weasley's and Hermione's copy of the Daily Prophet was passed round and talked about. From their on Harry and the rest would spend time in the drawing room or library talking or reading. Harry had started to read about wards and protecting the house. Almost as soon as he started Hermione had joined and it seemed to be a challenge to see who could find and then, when the time comes, master the spells that were needed.
For the most part Ron just looked on but Harry was certain that his friend was also using the time to read a book or two. But Harry was certain that the book had nothing to do with wards and protection. For the most of this time both Ginny and Gabrielle were near but not always. Harry suspected that Ginny was beginning to teach Gabrielle basic defence magic because every time he looked over at the pair Gabrielle was quickly hiding her wand from his view.
This activity continued onto lunch in which all of them tried to talk about mundane things. The stories in the paper were very depressing and the wireless in the evening more so but during lunch they all tried to talk about anything else that was going on. Lunch was fast become one of the best meals for Harry as constantly he saw a family just talking and laughing at life, even Mr Weasley was making the effort to return for lunch and his presence never failed to bring a smile to both Hermione and himself.
Lunch time was also the time that he was sandwiched between Ginny and Gabrielle. Every morning he received a small kiss from Ginny. Not necessarily in front of everybody but she always found him and gave him one. Harry had seen that Ron seemed to be doing the same thing to Hermione as well. Ginny didn't always sit with Harry at breakfast and for that he was only a little thankful. Every time that the pair spent any real time together Harry could almost feel Molly's eyes on them watching and analysing what was going on.
But Ginny not sitting next to him at breakfast did not mean that he sat alone. For virtually every meal Gabrielle was always sitting next to him. To some people this may seem strange and Harry reflected that only a few months ago he would have been annoyed at this. As they sat she hardly ever spoke she just sat there quietly, almost submissively to Harry. Yet it was like the two of them were communicating. If he stopped and concentrated for a moment he could feel the girl next to him through his magic the worries and anxiety she was feeling easily being transmitted to him. He was certain that his presence was helping but deep inside he wanted to do more but his mind didn't know how. As the days passed this brief contact that he had with Gabrielle in the mornings made him realise that within himself his body was beginning to tell him things that his mind did not want to hear about the young beautiful girl.
But lunch times weren't much different. The main difference was that he had both of them sitting next to him. Gabrielle seemed to distance herself very slightly as if to give him and Ginny a little more space together but he could still almost feel her next to him. As he sat next to the pair his mind wracked at what he should be doing. Somewhere inside his mind was the shy teenager telling him that Ginny was now his girlfriend and that he should act differently, yet what was he supposed to do?
Normally before the end of lunch Ginny gave his hand or leg a gentle squeeze in reassurance as Harry almost faltered every time Mrs Weasley looked at the pair but that was nothing compared to the look that she gave them when lunch was done and the three of them disappeared for "study". Initially both Molly and Hermione wanted to join them but for once Gabrielle had stood her ground. Harry remembered standing behind her with Ginny to his side as she eloquently argued that with them present it would make the lessons to difficult for Harry to concentrate. After what seemed ages to Harry Molly relented but Hermione was much tougher. Time and time again she had tried to find out what they were doing yet still no one had told her.
To lesson the shock for everybody Ginny had suggested that they use the Ballroom for the lessons. Spending every afternoon in Harry's bedroom may have been appealing to her but her mum would have gone mad. And so every afternoon the three retired to the Ballroom and studied. Harry was surprised that for every lesson so far they had not been interrupted. It was such a shock that after the first lesson he failed to see the scowls on Ron, Hermione and Mrs Weasley's face when they emerged.
Harry didn't really learn much in these lessons all that he was asked to do was sit and try and focus on his magic. He found that now he was able to slip in and out of it much quicker than before, smiling to himself he thought of the breakfasts with Gabrielle was she training him then as well? As Harry sat in the centre of the Ballroom floor Gabrielle and Ginny would be sitting at the large table. Very few words were spoken that Harry could hear but he was certain that Gabrielle was showing Ginny what she had shown him at the start. Harry wanted to learn more yet the quiet and solitude of these lessons allowed him time to think of his future, but every time he did he saw images of both Gabrielle and Ginny dancing in and out of them. How could he be so unfaithful to Ginny, wasn't she the girl for him?
After the lessons were over they returned to the others. The evenings were joyful, especially to Harry they sat down to listen to the wireless because inevitably Ginny would sit so close to him that he could feel her warmth or was it something else? This was how the days passed for them all up until now. As Harry slowly got out of bed he knew that today was going to be different. It was a day that he wasn't really looking forward to it would show to everyone how selfish and unthinking he was. Today was Ginny's birthday and he had yet to get her anything more than a home made card.
He had managed to tell Ginny this a couple of days ago but she smiled it off telling him that it didn't matter. What she had said about him going shopping with her and Gabrielle still held and that would be the best birthday present, but inside Harry knew that he was going to make the biggest mistake a boyfriend could make. Not only was he going to upset Ginny but her whole family as well.
He crossed the bedroom into the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. He knew people thought of him as famous or rich but looking at the face in the mirror he knew that he wasn't good looking, Ginny was sure to dump him as soon as she found out that he wasn't joking about not getting her anything. She had said that she loved him and it wasn't anything to do with money or fame so what was it? because it sure wasn't for his looks.
Splashing water on his face he chased these thoughts away but they didn't go far. As he started to move about in his normal routine he realised that he was going slower and slower as if to put off the inevitable. If he kept this up at least Mr Weasley would have left for work and that would be one face he didn't have to look at. He smoothed down the front of his t-shirt and realised he had nothing left to do, he was either going to have to leave his room or skip breakfast and probably the rest of the day. His stomach churned and churned as he thought about what he was doing, he was reminded of that long wait before facing his dragon how he had gotten worse and worse, with a sudden burst of energy he stood up from the bed.
"It was fun while it lasted." He said to the room as he crossed to the door.
As he pulled the door open it was like a statement to himself he was going to have to go through this but the sight that met him made him stop. He had expected to walk out into the corridor as normal and find it empty but standing there opposite the door was the reason that he had been so long. With a smile lighting her face from ear to ear was Ginny, her hair was down but seemed to be almost moving of it's own accord. Harry's eyes for the moment didn't travel down they just kept looking at the smile and the rest of her face.
He could see that she had applied a small amount of makeup to parts of her face. Through her parted lips he could see the white teeth poking through and his heart stopped at the look in her eyes, it just filled him yet he knew he was going to destroy her world. He stood there not knowing what to do yet he knew that it didn't matter. Nothing mattered when it concerned Ginny she would always be the one to help him. With almost a leap she crossed the distance and flung herself into his arms. He encircled her body and instantly found that her mouth had found his.
It wasn't their normal morning kiss this was deeper, longer and transmitted more feeling that he thought. Harry started to feel Ginny's tongue move forward and probe his mouth. His nose detected faint traces of lavender and something else as it wisped into his nostrils. His lips tasted something sweet, he was unsure of what it was but he liked it. As he started to relax into the girl he felt his magic rise and react as well, it seemed to probe and intertwine with Ginny's much like her tongue. He didn't understand why, it just happened.
Ever so slowly they parted slightly but Harry found Ginny still clung to his chest, he didn't want to move, he didn't even want to look down at the girl in his arms he just wanted to stand there and remember the kiss.
"I thought I was going to have to come in and get you." Whispered Ginny to Harry chest.
"How long have you been waiting?"
"Far too long in some people's eyes, but only a moment in mine."
"Why?"
"I wanted my birthday present from you first."
Harry felt that his chest had stopped all movement. The question had been asked and he was going to lose the girl.
"But...but I said that..."
"Hush Harry. It was you and that kiss I wanted."
"What?"
"That was my present...the only one that I ever wanted."
Harry's heart restarted with a jolt and he felt himself go slightly week, how could he be so lucky. The two of them stood holding each other before Ginny eventually broke apart.
"Well what do you think?" asked Ginny standing away slightly and twirling around. Harry now got his look at exactly what Ginny was wearing. The flower patterned summer dress flared nicely rising to almost mid-thigh. He catalogued the smooth contours of Ginny's legs. He noticed that the small heels shaped her legs to near perfection in his mind yet he knew that he was no expert. He continued to trace his eyes upwards and saw the rounded lines that he breasts were making. They weren't large, in fact they were quiet small yet the dress emphasised them just enough and the lowish cut allowed Harry a small sight of those mounds.
"You look...." But he faltered at saying more, what could he say?
"I know...it was Gabrielle's present."
"The dress?"
"No she helped me alter it and did my make up. It must be the Veela in her she knows exactly what to do to make it look perfect, she thought I might like it. Anyway I starving and so should you be let's have breakfast."
Harry didn't have time to reply as Ginny grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the stairs. Each step allowed his mind and magic to calm down and he thought that the day might not be as bad as all that.
**
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY." Called everybody as Ginny walked into the Kitchen still leading a confused Harry by the hand. Harry noticed the look that Molly gave him and he had a sudden feeling that she knew exactly what they had been doing and what had been in Harry's mind.
"Thank you everyone."
"I'm starving Ginny what took you so long."
"Oh I wanted to look my best today." Replied Ginny glancing quickly at Gabrielle who was on the other side of the table and not in her normal seat next to Harry. The tight smile that the young girl had must be hiding a snicker like the one trying to escape Ginny at the lie.
"Well you look fantastic Ginny, here you go." Said Hermione giving Ginny a small peck on the cheek and a present.
"I know, I've already been told so." Smirked Ginny no bothering to hide the smile on her face this time.
Hermione didn't blush and nor did Harry when she looked at him and try as she might she could not see any traces of lipstick on him. It was unusual for Ginny to be wearing any and after that remark and the lateness of there joined arrival she had been certain she would find some on him.
"Well there you go sis." Said Ron almost throwing a parcel at her.
"Thanks bro!" The two of them glared at each other but the smell of food and the pull of Hermione forced Ron away before anything more was said.
Next was Mrs Weasley, she was carrying a small collection of presents and cards which she laid before Ginny on the table.
"These are from your brothers and any cards that were sent home."
"Thanks mum." Replied Ginny pulling her into a brief hug and kissing her on the cheek.
"Well lets start." Flustered Molly taken slightly aback by her daughters sudden show of emotion.
Everyone started to eat except for Harry and Ginny. She was busy starting to unwrap her presents and he was mesmerised at looking at her feverishly tearing the paper. As Hermione's present was unwrapped Ron failed to stifle the moan as he recognised another homework planner, very similar to the ones he and Harry had been given.
"Ron." Hissed Hermione looking straight at him.
"Thanks Hermione. Unlike the "boys" I think it's great."
"I...I..."started Harry but was stopped has he felt Ginny hand gently squeeze his.
She looked at him briefly and smiled and quick smile before turning to the next present. With the amount of paper and tape used for wrapping it was obviously from Ron but the bright orange paper was also a dead giveaway. As she peeled back the paper she realised that her brother had for once given her something useful. When the paper was finally discarded a pair of new Quidditch shin guards sat before her.
"Th...thanks Ron ... I ...I.."
"It's alright I just thought you may need it this year if we're going to win the cup again."
Ginny started to work through the rest of the presents. The twins had given her a small selection of their products as well as a new Weird Sisters T-shirt. Charlie had sent her a book on Famous female Quidditch stars. The present from Bill was surprising, his wrapping was not as bad as Ron's but nowhere near as perfect as the present she unwrapped. A short silk scarf fell out onto the table to collectives ah's as it slowly changed colour through the various shades of blue and red. The last present was the one from her parents. She knew before opening it what it was as she had been asking for it for ages, but when she unwrapped the small portable Wireless she was speechless at actually receiving it.
"Well you kept saying that you wanted it." Said Molly dabbing her eyes.
Quickly she opened the cards from various members of the family she thought to herself that it had been a great birthday so far and it could only get better. As breakfast was being cleared away Ginny started to notice the looks that Ron was flashing Harry. She could see Ron him getting more and more upset and knew it was about the fact that she had not opened a present from him at the table.
"Well I'd like to thank you all I've just one present left, and that's from Harry which he's giving me later." Ginny knew that the remark would make somepeople jump.
"What's that?" questioned Ron with narrowing eyes.
"Oh...what every girl wants." Replied Ginny knowing she was causing a few heart attacks.
"WHAT!"
Ginny notice that her mother had also spun round at her comment.
"He's taking me shopping."
Ron's face seemed to cloud over slightly at this as he tried to process what Ginny was saying. Hermione on the other hand was looking at her very closely.
"Yes when the Hogwarts letters come in for me and Gabrielle he said, as a think you for what she's been doing and as a present for me to take us shopping."
"I don't think that's..." Molly started to say but Ginny was ready for this.
"Mum its fine, he really wants too."
"Harry?" questioned Molly.
"It's all that I could do Mrs Weasley. They have been a help it's like a thank you and I couldn't leave here to get anything."
Molly studied her daughter and Harry very closely. She knew that there was more going on here than she could see. She had been spending most nights after everyone had gone to bed talking to both Arthur and Dumbledore about the children. She was feeling that she was caught in the middle of something and this news from her daughter was no different. But could she stop it, did she even want to?
Her mind was joyful at the news of Ginny and Harry. She would never let on to those two about it but somewhere inside deep down she knew that this was what her daughter wanted. As for herself she did not know, the stories that she was hearing was beginning to worry her, especially if Ginny was now going to be closer to him. This shock trip to go shopping had all that was needed to be a disaster yet all she could see was Ginny standing with Luna in that doorway. Taking a breath she made a decision that she feared she might regret someday.
"Alright then, but I'm coming as well."
"Oh mum you don't have too...please we'll be safe I promise."
"Like last time?"
Ginny dropped her head at this response, her mother hadn't said much about that attack until now.
"That was different."
"I know." Replied Molly.
Ginny's head snapped up and looked directly at her mother. She could not believe the sudden change in attitude that she was showing, Ginny heart almost burst as she realised that he small dream of shopping alone with Harry would now come true. Jumping from the chair she enveloped Molly in a hug and thanked her over and over again.
As Molly slowly extracted herself from her daughter she reached into her apron and withdrew a couple of letters.
"I was waiting until tomorrow to give you these. Dumbledore said it would be alright but as it seems as Ginny want's to go shopping you had all better read these so you know what to get."
Molly handed letters to both Ginny and Ron before turning towards Gabrielle. "I should have given you this earlier, sorry."
Gabrielle's eyes washed over the thick letter being offered to her. She could see the Hogwarts crest on the top and felt her emotions run wild. Was this her invitation to the school or had Dumbledore rejected her. She raised her hand and grasped the letter, she could see that both Harry and Ginny were watching closely. Smiling slightly at the pair they understood that she wanted to read this on her own, just in case.
"If you don't mind Harry I'd like to read this alone."
"Please use any room you like." He replied at once. He could sense her emotions and so understood the importance of the letter. She may read the letter on her own but she would not be alone when she did it, he would make sure.
Gabrielle rose gracefully and left the kitchen to read her future.
"She looks scared." Whispered Ginny.
"She's frightened of Dumbledore." Replied Harry knowing exactly her feelings.
"Why?"
"I don't fully know, but I think it's something Dumbledore has done in the past"
"Will she be alright; she's done a lot for you, me...us."
"We'll just have to wait."
"Harry Dobby has your letters he wouldn't let me hold on to them, he said it wasn't right or proper for someone not of you house to hold your mail."
"Oh...um...sorry, we are still trying to work this out."
"What?"
"Well I guess you will soon know Mrs Weasley, I'm the head of the House of Potter, officially."
Ron looked up from his letter and said.
"Well not much here. Train, prefect duties same stuff as normal." Said Ron looking up from his letter, but then saw that no one else had opened their letters.
"Um...sorry did I miss something."
Harry smiled.
**
Gabrielle crept into the ballroom. It was one of the rooms she felt closest to Harry in. She would have dearly liked to go to his bedroom, that afternoon and night that she and Ginny had spent in there had made her really feel comfortable in that room it just felt right to her magic to be in the place that was Harry's. Here was much the same and it would involve a lot less questions.
She sat on the floor and tucked her legs beside her as she had been taught many years ago as she looked at the front of the letter. Taking a breath she calmed her mind and noticed a presence through her magic. The smile that appeared on her face would have destroyed any boy in the area but she didn't care. The soft touches of Harry's magic as it kept a watch over her preparing to help in case the news was bad was everything that she had wanted.
He may, for the moment, not look at her how she wanted but these little things were almost as good. She could almost sense his watchfulness his protective nature, all that her magic wanted to do was to be released and run to him. She basked in the knowledge that he was close for moment before opening her letter.
Gabrielle read the letter quickly and efficiently but was certain the Harry would already know the contents. The first line had made her magic just sing.
Dear Miss Delacour,
It is with great pleasure that I would like to offer you a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadary.
She closed her eyes and for once let her emotions show. The tears of joy and happiness flowed from her eyes and she for once refused to stop them. She was going to school and the same one as Harry. Dumbledore hadn't stopped her he had kept his promise to her sister. No matter what happens at school she knew she would be near Harry, the only place in the world that she wanted to be.
**
Harry had let his magic drift towards Gabrielle after she had left. It was similar to what he did at breakfast but the distance was greater. He felt his control slip slightly and had to focus to make sure she didn't feel him. She had wanted to read the letter alone and Harry felt that if she felt him it would be resented.
He wanted to be close, to give her the comfort that he had received from her when he was down yet knew that there would be little he could say or do if it went wrong. He waited far longer that he thought he would before Gabrielle reacted. Like the sudden burst of a firework Harry felt Gabrielle's emotions. The joy and happiness was so complete that Harry could feel his own mouth up turn in a smile. Knowing that he would not be needed he slowly withdrew his magic back into himself.
"She ok then?" whispered Ginny looking at Harry face.
"Yeh...how did you know?"
"I thought I felt something but you looked like you had just been given a free bar of chocolate."
Harry laughed at this and gave Ginny's hand a brief squeeze in thanks.
Ron folded his letter back into his envelope before the question came to his mind.
"Where's your letter Herm Hermione?"
"I got it earlier. I didn't want to say anything because of Ginny."
"Hay...just because it's my birthday I won't get upset if I'm not the centre of attention all day, unlike some!" Replied Ginny quickly glaring at Ron.
"Sorry...well mine was the same as yours Ron, not much else. We just have to decided what we are going to take, that's the biggest decision we have to make. So what have you decided Ron."
"Simple the easiest ones."
"RON!" shouted his mother.
"Only a joke mum... I think I will take the same as Harry...you know the ones to be an Auror, that right mate."
"Um...oh....yeah." replied Harry. He had indeed started to look through the information sent and was slowly having second thoughts. Both Gabrielle and Ginny had told him to take his time to think about what he wanted to do and he was beginning to wonder if after it was all over would he really want to hunt dark wizards?
Dumbledore had told him that he had to learn about law and Wizarding Society and that soon he would be invited to parties and other major social gatherings. He was beginning to see a completely different view of wizards and one that even Ron hadn't seen and something inside was telling him that being an Auror wasn't compatible with it. Harry was saved from answering as Gabrielle walked in, her face still held a trace of the smile upon it telling everyone without words that she had been accepted.
"Congratulations Gabrielle." Said Harry first.
"Yeah now we'll all be together." Smiled Ginny at the double meaning of the words.
"Thank you all. I'm just so..."
"I was like that when I heard as well. I think everybody is when they get their Hogwarts letter." Replied Harry.
"Well it looks like we are all going shopping then. Gabrielle needs to get her stuff as well as the rest of you." Said Molly.
"Great Mum." Called out Ginny.
"Tomorrow ok?"
Ginny quickly looked round the faces to see their reactions. For her the sooner she went shopping with Harry the better.
"Looks fine, tomorrow it is."
"What about your letters Harry?" asked Ginny.
Harry turned to his elf and called him over.
"Yes sir?"
"Dobby you have some mail for me?"
Dobby shuffled a little before presenting to Harry two letters.
"Where you hiding these from me?"
"No sir! You haven't placed any wards on your floor yet so Dobby didn't know if they would be safe..."said Dobby giving Hermione a very quick glance. "...was just holding them until..." But dobby stopped and now looked around the whole group.
"Until what?"
"I could give you them in private?"
"Why wait until then?"
"Doesn't sir want his business kept private from the others?"
"Oh...um...." Stammered Harry understanding that indeed there was something he would definitely want to keep from the rest.
"How about you leave them in my room as soon as they arrive instead, that would be ok?"
"Of course sir." Replied Dobby bowing low and waiting to be dismissed knowing an order when given one.
"Well thank you Dobby anyway."
Dobby bowed once more before scampering back to the sink to continue the washing up.
Harry looked at the two letters; the first was obviously identical to Ron's and Hermione's. Quickly ripping it open he read the brief letter telling him about the start of school. The second wasn't large but on the back was the crest of the Ministry; almost cautiously he opened it and started to read.
Dear Mr Potter,
The Ministry would like to pass on it sympathy for the passing of one so close to you and hope through the sadness of this time you can look back on the good times and forward to the future.
Our records now show you to be confirmed as the now Head of the Illustrious House of Potter. You may not know that this now entitles you to sit on the Wizgamort as one of the 40. I complete understand this is a large step for you and would like to offer you as much help as I can. This magnificent legal body can be daunting to those not use to it and I would be happy to personally help you through the first days of your attendance.
Your status I understand is still not widely known but unfortunately I fear that soon the secret will come out. I can arrange here a brief conference so that your status can be told in a controlled environment. Whilst here I can also personally help you with any questions or information that you need regarding your new status.
Please look at this as that I'm only trying to help you in these difficult times.
Awaiting your response.
Rufus Scrimgore
Minister for Magic.
He finished reading and put the letter down for a moment, his mind tried to find the catch within the words. For the past year they had been vilifying him but this seemed like an olive branch. He knew that his status as a head of House would eventually come out. He had been surprised at the receptionist in the Solicitors yet he was not naive enough not to understand that when people knew more about him it would just get worse.
The sudden the thought of him having to sit in that large court room brought a shiver to his back. Dumbledore had mentioned about the families and the Wizamort but not that he would have to be one of them and make judgments.
"Who was the letter from?" asked Hermione.
"The Minister for Magic."
"What did he want?" spat Ron.
"To help."
"With what?"
"Me, my status everything."
"I don't know." cautioned Ron still hating the Ministry for what they did last year.
"I know Ron, but the letter sounds almost like an apology, look yourself."
Harry passed the letter to Ron who started to read it with Hermione looking over his shoulder.
"What do you think?" whispered Ginny next to him.
"I can't fight everybody. People will find out, this way is the best I think, I just don't know about all of this."
"I think your right Harry it does read like an apology but...." Said Hermione looking up from the letter
"But?"
"I don't know."
"I think I'll go and see him. I would be nice to have the Ministry on our side for once. How about I arrange it for tomorrow and then we can go shopping afterwards." Said Harry looking directly and Ginny and Gabrielle.
The two girls shared a knowing look before giving him a twin smile and replying in unison.
"We can't wait for it."
**
A/N: Thanks Malehorntaildragon.
**
McNair looked at the house as the flames started to lick the outside walls. Soon it would collapse and fall in on itself destroying the evidence of what he had done inside. He wasn't worried about being found out it was just he liked to keep some things private. The order from Voldemort was the one he had been dreaming of since his return, he was now free to indulge what he wanted to do, to use his magic on muggles, to get the pleasure he wanted from life.
The country without muggles wouldn't be perfect, there should always be a few around for him to terrorize. But for the moment there were far too many. The crackerling from the house told him that it would not be long before the walls started to give way. He had suspected that by now the muggle services would have arrived but obviously they were too busy or something else was stopping them from coming. Killing a few of them would have rounded the night off but he would just have to bask in the pleasures that the family had given him, before their death.
With his smile concealed beneath his mask he raised his wand for the final time, almost without conscious thought he sent the Dark Mark screaming into the air. The Ministry would now know that once more they could not stop Voldemort and McNair knew that tonight this would not be the only Mark in the sky.
**
Remus stood slightly apart from the rest as they surveyed the small village. Tonight was going to be his night; he knew that he was going to have to show them that tonight he was one of them. The mere thought of what he was going to do was turning his stomach but more worrying he could feel a sense of happiness deep within himself, the knowledge that for once he could let the beast fly.
For the past few days he had stayed with the pack living on the edge. No one really came and spoke to him and he knew that he was being watched constantly. It seemed that the pack worked as a small community they shared their food, cooking duties and other activities yet he was excluded. At night groups would sit together to talk and laugh but he was always left out. The only people who came close that didn't show hostility towards him were the two young men he had first met, they looked at him wearily yet with respect. Tonight would change all of that.
Greyback had come to him with a small group of men as the sun sank. Remus had tensed expecting a fight and one that he would not win but little was said just one word. "Come." and Remus had done so, he had followed the group. They had trekked for hours until now.
"So, friend, I offer you the first chance."
"Thank you." Replied Remus still trying to understand his own feelings. Slowly he walked forward towards the dark village. Each step took him closer not just to the village but to his destiny. His ear's picked up the faint noise of the others as they too moved with him towards the village. Movement from the village made him stop. A ghostly shadow flickered on a wall between two buildings. Remus could see that the shadow was of a man.
Feeling the beast within he started towards the man, his blood started to rise at the thought of killing. Braking away from safety of the darkness surrounding the village he ran into the gloomy light of the street. Walking calmly down it was a single man older than himself but not by much.
"You're mine." Growled Remus
"Who...who are you." Stammered the man as he stopped looking at the dishevelled person in front of him.
Remus didn't answer he walked forward with purpose he could feel his muscles shift almost of their own accord in preparation for the fight. He heard the noise of some of the people behind and glanced over his shoulder. Their behind him was Greyback and two others. Looking back at the man he could see the confusion on his face as Remus continued to approach.
As if to answer the question the man was asking a howl rent the air. It was long and menacing sending a chill through Remus's body but something within him reacted to it, it was like a bugle call. He felt alive and free, throwing his head hack he howled into the night as well. Rational thought was being driven away by instinct, this was what he was. The man looked at the small group for only a second before he ran. He turned and ran like the hounds of Satan were after him, and in a real sense they were.
Remus ran, he ran like he had done before when he was at Hogwarts as a teenager and he now knew that this is what he wanted. He let his legs fly beneath him, the distance to the man didn't close much but that was not the point, the chase was the point, the chase was what he living was for.
**
Tonks growled into the night as she looked at the remains of the cars before her. This was the third night in a row that she had been called to help with an attack. Three day's ago it had been like a switch, the whole department had been looking into Death Eater activity trying to understand or even find them. The attack's on the Bones's and the Alley had been shocking but little more had been found, surprisingly their had been no attacks since then. But then just like a snap of fingers it all changed, every night since and even once during the day attacks had been reported. Not large attacks just small ones probably done by a single person but always involving the Dark Mark.
This night she had been called to assist at a traffic accident. She didn't know much about the muggle forms of traffic, despite her father being muggleborn and wondered why she was being called. That thought ended when she had arrived on the scene. There was a collection of mangled cars and lorries all under the Dark Mark in the sky. She could see the muggle authorities searching and investigating the cause yet she instantly knew the answer. This was no accident, this was deliberate and it used magic.
The fake identity had allowed her to move around freely and she noticed a few members of the oblivator squad similarly moving around modifying what people had seen, but she couldn't help be moved as she saw the bodies being recovered from cars. The pools of blood on the ground being illuminated by the flashing lights of emergency vehicles sent shivers through her body.
"Tragic." Said a voice next to her.
Tonks turned away from the carnage before her to look at the man.
"It was no accident Kingsley."
"I never thought it was." He soberly replied.
"Was this the only one tonight?"
"No I've come from two other incidents already."
Tonks blanched slightly at this news, so many attacks so many deaths and she was powerless to stop it. She had become an Auror to stop this from happening but here she was, just cleaning the mess up afterwards. Glancing around to see that they were alone she asked.
"Any ideas?"
"Plenty but no proof."
Tonks felt a small tear in her eye form, raising her hand he brushed it away but her mind kept telling her the reason for all of this.
"It's...it's started hasn't it."
Kingsley looked into the dark night. Tonks was bright, she might appear clumsy to most but she was still bright. He was still going through training at the end of the last war but he still had the cuttings from the papers.
"I think so."
"The...the others said it was like this."
"It wasn't."
"What?"
"It was worse; this is just a taster it will get worse."
Tonks looked back at the cars as a squeal of groaning metal announced that another body had been freed from its metal coffin.
"Worse than this?"
"Oh yes this is Him letting a few of his people off the leash. When it really starts we'll know it, that I'm certain." Grimly replied Kingsley as he looked up into the sky as The Mark slowly faded away.
**
Remus felt so alive chasing the man. It wasn't luck or fortune that had made the man head for the woods a small part of Remus's mind registered that the man was being carefully herded into the woods. He could feel every muscle in his body sing with the joy of the chase but soon it would be over. The man was tiring and soon Remus would be upon him. With every leap and bound it brought him closer to the man and close to his ultimate destiny.
The man's legs began to falter so Remus slowed his pace as well, instinct was telling him to wait be prepared for the final dash, make sure that the prey was truly exhausted before launching for the kill. There was a stumble followed by a second, Remus knew that this to be the time. With a sharp burst of speed he closed the distance to the back of the man. He flung out his hand catching the man across the top of the head he fell almost instantly sprawled in leaves and branches that littered the floor.
Remus spun and looked at his prey. He could see the chest rising and falling quickly as the man tried to suck in the oxygen that his body needed to survive. Remus's nose detected the faint smell of blood in the air. Looking closely he saw the traces of it matted in the man's hair. The smell would make the next moments perfect. Looking at the now gathering group of werewolves he smiled a tight smile at Grayback. The final traces within Remus of disgust at what he was doing fell as his instinct fully took over. With a loud snarl and bearded teeth he dropped for the final moment.
The man tried to struggle but the fight or the fall had finished him. The single ear piercing scream filled the night but was quickly replaced by the softer noise of gurgling as the man finally died. Remus looked up at those around him he could taste the coppery substance in his mouth but was pleased to see the small smile on Greyback as he nodded at him, all those around let fly with their own howls to announce to the world that they had one more pack member.
**
For those currently at Grimmauld place they had fallen into a routine very quickly. For the past number of days the group had done virtually the same things. It wasn't that they weren't concerned about what was happening outside, far from it. It was that for the moment their concerns centred on what they could individually or possibly as a group do. But inevitability the teenagers just spent their time, studying, reading, cleaning, or trying to find a secluded spot away from the eye's of Mrs Weasley for a snog.
The one item everybody noticed was the lack of people in the house. Harry had privately started to wonder why Mr or Mrs Weasley never left them in the evening but little came of that, yet he knew that something was different than last year, when he eventually asked about The Order meetings he was surprised to find that they were meeting other places but both Mr and Mrs Weasley were very vague about it all. The house had been the centre of the fight, people moving in and out talking muttering, planning but now it seemed quiet almost as though the Order didn't exist. Shaking these feelings away Harry started to think about the house more.
They had also yet to finish the exploration of the house and for some reason Harry was beginning to feel a little protective of his "own" floor. Every thing about the floor seemed to tell him that this place was his only retreat and if he started to show it off it would just become like the rest of the house. He had owned so little but now as he owned a whole house he wanted a part of it to be just his, for him alone and no one else.
The days at Grimmauld Place past were almost identical for all. Harry would awake alone in his room still feeling safe. They would all meet up for breakfast where both Mr Weasley's and Hermione's copy of the Daily Prophet was passed round and talked about. From their on Harry and the rest would spend time in the drawing room or library talking or reading. Harry had started to read about wards and protecting the house. Almost as soon as he started Hermione had joined and it seemed to be a challenge to see who could find and then, when the time comes, master the spells that were needed.
For the most part Ron just looked on but Harry was certain that his friend was also using the time to read a book or two. But Harry was certain that the book had nothing to do with wards and protection. For the most of this time both Ginny and Gabrielle were near but not always. Harry suspected that Ginny was beginning to teach Gabrielle basic defence magic because every time he looked over at the pair Gabrielle was quickly hiding her wand from his view.
This activity continued onto lunch in which all of them tried to talk about mundane things. The stories in the paper were very depressing and the wireless in the evening more so but during lunch they all tried to talk about anything else that was going on. Lunch was fast become one of the best meals for Harry as constantly he saw a family just talking and laughing at life, even Mr Weasley was making the effort to return for lunch and his presence never failed to bring a smile to both Hermione and himself.
Lunch time was also the time that he was sandwiched between Ginny and Gabrielle. Every morning he received a small kiss from Ginny. Not necessarily in front of everybody but she always found him and gave him one. Harry had seen that Ron seemed to be doing the same thing to Hermione as well. Ginny didn't always sit with Harry at breakfast and for that he was only a little thankful. Every time that the pair spent any real time together Harry could almost feel Molly's eyes on them watching and analysing what was going on.
But Ginny not sitting next to him at breakfast did not mean that he sat alone. For virtually every meal Gabrielle was always sitting next to him. To some people this may seem strange and Harry reflected that only a few months ago he would have been annoyed at this. As they sat she hardly ever spoke she just sat there quietly, almost submissively to Harry. Yet it was like the two of them were communicating. If he stopped and concentrated for a moment he could feel the girl next to him through his magic the worries and anxiety she was feeling easily being transmitted to him. He was certain that his presence was helping but deep inside he wanted to do more but his mind didn't know how. As the days passed this brief contact that he had with Gabrielle in the mornings made him realise that within himself his body was beginning to tell him things that his mind did not want to hear about the young beautiful girl.
But lunch times weren't much different. The main difference was that he had both of them sitting next to him. Gabrielle seemed to distance herself very slightly as if to give him and Ginny a little more space together but he could still almost feel her next to him. As he sat next to the pair his mind wracked at what he should be doing. Somewhere inside his mind was the shy teenager telling him that Ginny was now his girlfriend and that he should act differently, yet what was he supposed to do?
Normally before the end of lunch Ginny gave his hand or leg a gentle squeeze in reassurance as Harry almost faltered every time Mrs Weasley looked at the pair but that was nothing compared to the look that she gave them when lunch was done and the three of them disappeared for "study". Initially both Molly and Hermione wanted to join them but for once Gabrielle had stood her ground. Harry remembered standing behind her with Ginny to his side as she eloquently argued that with them present it would make the lessons to difficult for Harry to concentrate. After what seemed ages to Harry Molly relented but Hermione was much tougher. Time and time again she had tried to find out what they were doing yet still no one had told her.
To lesson the shock for everybody Ginny had suggested that they use the Ballroom for the lessons. Spending every afternoon in Harry's bedroom may have been appealing to her but her mum would have gone mad. And so every afternoon the three retired to the Ballroom and studied. Harry was surprised that for every lesson so far they had not been interrupted. It was such a shock that after the first lesson he failed to see the scowls on Ron, Hermione and Mrs Weasley's face when they emerged.
Harry didn't really learn much in these lessons all that he was asked to do was sit and try and focus on his magic. He found that now he was able to slip in and out of it much quicker than before, smiling to himself he thought of the breakfasts with Gabrielle was she training him then as well? As Harry sat in the centre of the Ballroom floor Gabrielle and Ginny would be sitting at the large table. Very few words were spoken that Harry could hear but he was certain that Gabrielle was showing Ginny what she had shown him at the start. Harry wanted to learn more yet the quiet and solitude of these lessons allowed him time to think of his future, but every time he did he saw images of both Gabrielle and Ginny dancing in and out of them. How could he be so unfaithful to Ginny, wasn't she the girl for him?
After the lessons were over they returned to the others. The evenings were joyful, especially to Harry they sat down to listen to the wireless because inevitably Ginny would sit so close to him that he could feel her warmth or was it something else? This was how the days passed for them all up until now. As Harry slowly got out of bed he knew that today was going to be different. It was a day that he wasn't really looking forward to it would show to everyone how selfish and unthinking he was. Today was Ginny's birthday and he had yet to get her anything more than a home made card.
He had managed to tell Ginny this a couple of days ago but she smiled it off telling him that it didn't matter. What she had said about him going shopping with her and Gabrielle still held and that would be the best birthday present, but inside Harry knew that he was going to make the biggest mistake a boyfriend could make. Not only was he going to upset Ginny but her whole family as well.
He crossed the bedroom into the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. He knew people thought of him as famous or rich but looking at the face in the mirror he knew that he wasn't good looking, Ginny was sure to dump him as soon as she found out that he wasn't joking about not getting her anything. She had said that she loved him and it wasn't anything to do with money or fame so what was it? because it sure wasn't for his looks.
Splashing water on his face he chased these thoughts away but they didn't go far. As he started to move about in his normal routine he realised that he was going slower and slower as if to put off the inevitable. If he kept this up at least Mr Weasley would have left for work and that would be one face he didn't have to look at. He smoothed down the front of his t-shirt and realised he had nothing left to do, he was either going to have to leave his room or skip breakfast and probably the rest of the day. His stomach churned and churned as he thought about what he was doing, he was reminded of that long wait before facing his dragon how he had gotten worse and worse, with a sudden burst of energy he stood up from the bed.
"It was fun while it lasted." He said to the room as he crossed to the door.
As he pulled the door open it was like a statement to himself he was going to have to go through this but the sight that met him made him stop. He had expected to walk out into the corridor as normal and find it empty but standing there opposite the door was the reason that he had been so long. With a smile lighting her face from ear to ear was Ginny, her hair was down but seemed to be almost moving of it's own accord. Harry's eyes for the moment didn't travel down they just kept looking at the smile and the rest of her face.
He could see that she had applied a small amount of makeup to parts of her face. Through her parted lips he could see the white teeth poking through and his heart stopped at the look in her eyes, it just filled him yet he knew he was going to destroy her world. He stood there not knowing what to do yet he knew that it didn't matter. Nothing mattered when it concerned Ginny she would always be the one to help him. With almost a leap she crossed the distance and flung herself into his arms. He encircled her body and instantly found that her mouth had found his.
It wasn't their normal morning kiss this was deeper, longer and transmitted more feeling that he thought. Harry started to feel Ginny's tongue move forward and probe his mouth. His nose detected faint traces of lavender and something else as it wisped into his nostrils. His lips tasted something sweet, he was unsure of what it was but he liked it. As he started to relax into the girl he felt his magic rise and react as well, it seemed to probe and intertwine with Ginny's much like her tongue. He didn't understand why, it just happened.
Ever so slowly they parted slightly but Harry found Ginny still clung to his chest, he didn't want to move, he didn't even want to look down at the girl in his arms he just wanted to stand there and remember the kiss.
"I thought I was going to have to come in and get you." Whispered Ginny to Harry chest.
"How long have you been waiting?"
"Far too long in some people's eyes, but only a moment in mine."
"Why?"
"I wanted my birthday present from you first."
Harry felt that his chest had stopped all movement. The question had been asked and he was going to lose the girl.
"But...but I said that..."
"Hush Harry. It was you and that kiss I wanted."
"What?"
"That was my present...the only one that I ever wanted."
Harry's heart restarted with a jolt and he felt himself go slightly week, how could he be so lucky. The two of them stood holding each other before Ginny eventually broke apart.
"Well what do you think?" asked Ginny standing away slightly and twirling around. Harry now got his look at exactly what Ginny was wearing. The flower patterned summer dress flared nicely rising to almost mid-thigh. He catalogued the smooth contours of Ginny's legs. He noticed that the small heels shaped her legs to near perfection in his mind yet he knew that he was no expert. He continued to trace his eyes upwards and saw the rounded lines that he breasts were making. They weren't large, in fact they were quiet small yet the dress emphasised them just enough and the lowish cut allowed Harry a small sight of those mounds.
"You look...." But he faltered at saying more, what could he say?
"I know...it was Gabrielle's present."
"The dress?"
"No she helped me alter it and did my make up. It must be the Veela in her she knows exactly what to do to make it look perfect, she thought I might like it. Anyway I starving and so should you be let's have breakfast."
Harry didn't have time to reply as Ginny grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the stairs. Each step allowed his mind and magic to calm down and he thought that the day might not be as bad as all that.
**
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY." Called everybody as Ginny walked into the Kitchen still leading a confused Harry by the hand. Harry noticed the look that Molly gave him and he had a sudden feeling that she knew exactly what they had been doing and what had been in Harry's mind.
"Thank you everyone."
"I'm starving Ginny what took you so long."
"Oh I wanted to look my best today." Replied Ginny glancing quickly at Gabrielle who was on the other side of the table and not in her normal seat next to Harry. The tight smile that the young girl had must be hiding a snicker like the one trying to escape Ginny at the lie.
"Well you look fantastic Ginny, here you go." Said Hermione giving Ginny a small peck on the cheek and a present.
"I know, I've already been told so." Smirked Ginny no bothering to hide the smile on her face this time.
Hermione didn't blush and nor did Harry when she looked at him and try as she might she could not see any traces of lipstick on him. It was unusual for Ginny to be wearing any and after that remark and the lateness of there joined arrival she had been certain she would find some on him.
"Well there you go sis." Said Ron almost throwing a parcel at her.
"Thanks bro!" The two of them glared at each other but the smell of food and the pull of Hermione forced Ron away before anything more was said.
Next was Mrs Weasley, she was carrying a small collection of presents and cards which she laid before Ginny on the table.
"These are from your brothers and any cards that were sent home."
"Thanks mum." Replied Ginny pulling her into a brief hug and kissing her on the cheek.
"Well lets start." Flustered Molly taken slightly aback by her daughters sudden show of emotion.
Everyone started to eat except for Harry and Ginny. She was busy starting to unwrap her presents and he was mesmerised at looking at her feverishly tearing the paper. As Hermione's present was unwrapped Ron failed to stifle the moan as he recognised another homework planner, very similar to the ones he and Harry had been given.
"Ron." Hissed Hermione looking straight at him.
"Thanks Hermione. Unlike the "boys" I think it's great."
"I...I..."started Harry but was stopped has he felt Ginny hand gently squeeze his.
She looked at him briefly and smiled and quick smile before turning to the next present. With the amount of paper and tape used for wrapping it was obviously from Ron but the bright orange paper was also a dead giveaway. As she peeled back the paper she realised that her brother had for once given her something useful. When the paper was finally discarded a pair of new Quidditch shin guards sat before her.
"Th...thanks Ron ... I ...I.."
"It's alright I just thought you may need it this year if we're going to win the cup again."
Ginny started to work through the rest of the presents. The twins had given her a small selection of their products as well as a new Weird Sisters T-shirt. Charlie had sent her a book on Famous female Quidditch stars. The present from Bill was surprising, his wrapping was not as bad as Ron's but nowhere near as perfect as the present she unwrapped. A short silk scarf fell out onto the table to collectives ah's as it slowly changed colour through the various shades of blue and red. The last present was the one from her parents. She knew before opening it what it was as she had been asking for it for ages, but when she unwrapped the small portable Wireless she was speechless at actually receiving it.
"Well you kept saying that you wanted it." Said Molly dabbing her eyes.
Quickly she opened the cards from various members of the family she thought to herself that it had been a great birthday so far and it could only get better. As breakfast was being cleared away Ginny started to notice the looks that Ron was flashing Harry. She could see Ron him getting more and more upset and knew it was about the fact that she had not opened a present from him at the table.
"Well I'd like to thank you all I've just one present left, and that's from Harry which he's giving me later." Ginny knew that the remark would make somepeople jump.
"What's that?" questioned Ron with narrowing eyes.
"Oh...what every girl wants." Replied Ginny knowing she was causing a few heart attacks.
"WHAT!"
Ginny notice that her mother had also spun round at her comment.
"He's taking me shopping."
Ron's face seemed to cloud over slightly at this as he tried to process what Ginny was saying. Hermione on the other hand was looking at her very closely.
"Yes when the Hogwarts letters come in for me and Gabrielle he said, as a think you for what she's been doing and as a present for me to take us shopping."
"I don't think that's..." Molly started to say but Ginny was ready for this.
"Mum its fine, he really wants too."
"Harry?" questioned Molly.
"It's all that I could do Mrs Weasley. They have been a help it's like a thank you and I couldn't leave here to get anything."
Molly studied her daughter and Harry very closely. She knew that there was more going on here than she could see. She had been spending most nights after everyone had gone to bed talking to both Arthur and Dumbledore about the children. She was feeling that she was caught in the middle of something and this news from her daughter was no different. But could she stop it, did she even want to?
Her mind was joyful at the news of Ginny and Harry. She would never let on to those two about it but somewhere inside deep down she knew that this was what her daughter wanted. As for herself she did not know, the stories that she was hearing was beginning to worry her, especially if Ginny was now going to be closer to him. This shock trip to go shopping had all that was needed to be a disaster yet all she could see was Ginny standing with Luna in that doorway. Taking a breath she made a decision that she feared she might regret someday.
"Alright then, but I'm coming as well."
"Oh mum you don't have too...please we'll be safe I promise."
"Like last time?"
Ginny dropped her head at this response, her mother hadn't said much about that attack until now.
"That was different."
"I know." Replied Molly.
Ginny's head snapped up and looked directly at her mother. She could not believe the sudden change in attitude that she was showing, Ginny heart almost burst as she realised that he small dream of shopping alone with Harry would now come true. Jumping from the chair she enveloped Molly in a hug and thanked her over and over again.
As Molly slowly extracted herself from her daughter she reached into her apron and withdrew a couple of letters.
"I was waiting until tomorrow to give you these. Dumbledore said it would be alright but as it seems as Ginny want's to go shopping you had all better read these so you know what to get."
Molly handed letters to both Ginny and Ron before turning towards Gabrielle. "I should have given you this earlier, sorry."
Gabrielle's eyes washed over the thick letter being offered to her. She could see the Hogwarts crest on the top and felt her emotions run wild. Was this her invitation to the school or had Dumbledore rejected her. She raised her hand and grasped the letter, she could see that both Harry and Ginny were watching closely. Smiling slightly at the pair they understood that she wanted to read this on her own, just in case.
"If you don't mind Harry I'd like to read this alone."
"Please use any room you like." He replied at once. He could sense her emotions and so understood the importance of the letter. She may read the letter on her own but she would not be alone when she did it, he would make sure.
Gabrielle rose gracefully and left the kitchen to read her future.
"She looks scared." Whispered Ginny.
"She's frightened of Dumbledore." Replied Harry knowing exactly her feelings.
"Why?"
"I don't fully know, but I think it's something Dumbledore has done in the past"
"Will she be alright; she's done a lot for you, me...us."
"We'll just have to wait."
"Harry Dobby has your letters he wouldn't let me hold on to them, he said it wasn't right or proper for someone not of you house to hold your mail."
"Oh...um...sorry, we are still trying to work this out."
"What?"
"Well I guess you will soon know Mrs Weasley, I'm the head of the House of Potter, officially."
Ron looked up from his letter and said.
"Well not much here. Train, prefect duties same stuff as normal." Said Ron looking up from his letter, but then saw that no one else had opened their letters.
"Um...sorry did I miss something."
Harry smiled.
**
Gabrielle crept into the ballroom. It was one of the rooms she felt closest to Harry in. She would have dearly liked to go to his bedroom, that afternoon and night that she and Ginny had spent in there had made her really feel comfortable in that room it just felt right to her magic to be in the place that was Harry's. Here was much the same and it would involve a lot less questions.
She sat on the floor and tucked her legs beside her as she had been taught many years ago as she looked at the front of the letter. Taking a breath she calmed her mind and noticed a presence through her magic. The smile that appeared on her face would have destroyed any boy in the area but she didn't care. The soft touches of Harry's magic as it kept a watch over her preparing to help in case the news was bad was everything that she had wanted.
He may, for the moment, not look at her how she wanted but these little things were almost as good. She could almost sense his watchfulness his protective nature, all that her magic wanted to do was to be released and run to him. She basked in the knowledge that he was close for moment before opening her letter.
Gabrielle read the letter quickly and efficiently but was certain the Harry would already know the contents. The first line had made her magic just sing.
Dear Miss Delacour,
It is with great pleasure that I would like to offer you a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadary.
She closed her eyes and for once let her emotions show. The tears of joy and happiness flowed from her eyes and she for once refused to stop them. She was going to school and the same one as Harry. Dumbledore hadn't stopped her he had kept his promise to her sister. No matter what happens at school she knew she would be near Harry, the only place in the world that she wanted to be.
**
Harry had let his magic drift towards Gabrielle after she had left. It was similar to what he did at breakfast but the distance was greater. He felt his control slip slightly and had to focus to make sure she didn't feel him. She had wanted to read the letter alone and Harry felt that if she felt him it would be resented.
He wanted to be close, to give her the comfort that he had received from her when he was down yet knew that there would be little he could say or do if it went wrong. He waited far longer that he thought he would before Gabrielle reacted. Like the sudden burst of a firework Harry felt Gabrielle's emotions. The joy and happiness was so complete that Harry could feel his own mouth up turn in a smile. Knowing that he would not be needed he slowly withdrew his magic back into himself.
"She ok then?" whispered Ginny looking at Harry face.
"Yeh...how did you know?"
"I thought I felt something but you looked like you had just been given a free bar of chocolate."
Harry laughed at this and gave Ginny's hand a brief squeeze in thanks.
Ron folded his letter back into his envelope before the question came to his mind.
"Where's your letter Herm Hermione?"
"I got it earlier. I didn't want to say anything because of Ginny."
"Hay...just because it's my birthday I won't get upset if I'm not the centre of attention all day, unlike some!" Replied Ginny quickly glaring at Ron.
"Sorry...well mine was the same as yours Ron, not much else. We just have to decided what we are going to take, that's the biggest decision we have to make. So what have you decided Ron."
"Simple the easiest ones."
"RON!" shouted his mother.
"Only a joke mum... I think I will take the same as Harry...you know the ones to be an Auror, that right mate."
"Um...oh....yeah." replied Harry. He had indeed started to look through the information sent and was slowly having second thoughts. Both Gabrielle and Ginny had told him to take his time to think about what he wanted to do and he was beginning to wonder if after it was all over would he really want to hunt dark wizards?
Dumbledore had told him that he had to learn about law and Wizarding Society and that soon he would be invited to parties and other major social gatherings. He was beginning to see a completely different view of wizards and one that even Ron hadn't seen and something inside was telling him that being an Auror wasn't compatible with it. Harry was saved from answering as Gabrielle walked in, her face still held a trace of the smile upon it telling everyone without words that she had been accepted.
"Congratulations Gabrielle." Said Harry first.
"Yeah now we'll all be together." Smiled Ginny at the double meaning of the words.
"Thank you all. I'm just so..."
"I was like that when I heard as well. I think everybody is when they get their Hogwarts letter." Replied Harry.
"Well it looks like we are all going shopping then. Gabrielle needs to get her stuff as well as the rest of you." Said Molly.
"Great Mum." Called out Ginny.
"Tomorrow ok?"
Ginny quickly looked round the faces to see their reactions. For her the sooner she went shopping with Harry the better.
"Looks fine, tomorrow it is."
"What about your letters Harry?" asked Ginny.
Harry turned to his elf and called him over.
"Yes sir?"
"Dobby you have some mail for me?"
Dobby shuffled a little before presenting to Harry two letters.
"Where you hiding these from me?"
"No sir! You haven't placed any wards on your floor yet so Dobby didn't know if they would be safe..."said Dobby giving Hermione a very quick glance. "...was just holding them until..." But dobby stopped and now looked around the whole group.
"Until what?"
"I could give you them in private?"
"Why wait until then?"
"Doesn't sir want his business kept private from the others?"
"Oh...um...." Stammered Harry understanding that indeed there was something he would definitely want to keep from the rest.
"How about you leave them in my room as soon as they arrive instead, that would be ok?"
"Of course sir." Replied Dobby bowing low and waiting to be dismissed knowing an order when given one.
"Well thank you Dobby anyway."
Dobby bowed once more before scampering back to the sink to continue the washing up.
Harry looked at the two letters; the first was obviously identical to Ron's and Hermione's. Quickly ripping it open he read the brief letter telling him about the start of school. The second wasn't large but on the back was the crest of the Ministry; almost cautiously he opened it and started to read.
Dear Mr Potter,
The Ministry would like to pass on it sympathy for the passing of one so close to you and hope through the sadness of this time you can look back on the good times and forward to the future.
Our records now show you to be confirmed as the now Head of the Illustrious House of Potter. You may not know that this now entitles you to sit on the Wizgamort as one of the 40. I complete understand this is a large step for you and would like to offer you as much help as I can. This magnificent legal body can be daunting to those not use to it and I would be happy to personally help you through the first days of your attendance.
Your status I understand is still not widely known but unfortunately I fear that soon the secret will come out. I can arrange here a brief conference so that your status can be told in a controlled environment. Whilst here I can also personally help you with any questions or information that you need regarding your new status.
Please look at this as that I'm only trying to help you in these difficult times.
Awaiting your response.
Rufus Scrimgore
Minister for Magic.
He finished reading and put the letter down for a moment, his mind tried to find the catch within the words. For the past year they had been vilifying him but this seemed like an olive branch. He knew that his status as a head of House would eventually come out. He had been surprised at the receptionist in the Solicitors yet he was not naive enough not to understand that when people knew more about him it would just get worse.
The sudden the thought of him having to sit in that large court room brought a shiver to his back. Dumbledore had mentioned about the families and the Wizamort but not that he would have to be one of them and make judgments.
"Who was the letter from?" asked Hermione.
"The Minister for Magic."
"What did he want?" spat Ron.
"To help."
"With what?"
"Me, my status everything."
"I don't know." cautioned Ron still hating the Ministry for what they did last year.
"I know Ron, but the letter sounds almost like an apology, look yourself."
Harry passed the letter to Ron who started to read it with Hermione looking over his shoulder.
"What do you think?" whispered Ginny next to him.
"I can't fight everybody. People will find out, this way is the best I think, I just don't know about all of this."
"I think your right Harry it does read like an apology but...." Said Hermione looking up from the letter
"But?"
"I don't know."
"I think I'll go and see him. I would be nice to have the Ministry on our side for once. How about I arrange it for tomorrow and then we can go shopping afterwards." Said Harry looking directly and Ginny and Gabrielle.
The two girls shared a knowing look before giving him a twin smile and replying in unison.
"We can't wait for it."
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