Rating:
R
House:
Schnoogle
Characters:
Draco Malfoy
Genres:
General Romance
Era:
Multiple Eras
Spoilers:
Philosopher's Stone Chamber of Secrets Prizoner of Azkaban Goblet of Fire Order of the Phoenix
Stats:
Published: 12/31/2003
Updated: 04/18/2004
Words: 181,191
Chapters: 46
Hits: 99,765

Harry Potter and Unexpected Beginnings

dan's girl62

Story Summary:
The summer after OoTP, Harry discovers he has control of his connection with Voldemort, and uses it to his advantage. With the help of his friends, and an unexpected joining of their team, Harry and the gang return to school for their 6th year and go in search of a way to defeat Voldemort. However, when teenage hormones set in, can Harry find room in his heart to love, or will he reject her based on fear of a prophecy that dictates his future...or lack thereof. Rated R for future chapters.

Chapter 11

Chapter Summary:
The summer after OoTP, Harry discovers he has control of his connection with Voldemort, and uses it to his advantage. With the help of his friends, and an unexpected joining of their team, Harry and the gang return to school for their sixth year and go in search of a way to defeat Voldemort. However, when teenage hormones set in, can Harry find room in his heart to love, or will he reject her based on
Posted:
01/15/2004
Hits:
2,090

Chapter eleven

Harry opened his eyes, as the warm body next to him stretched, rolling out of his embrace. He looked down at her and smiled, touching her cheek with his finger, brushing the long red stands of hair from her face. She was so beautiful, he just couldn't believe that this was the same little girl, that a few months ago, had helped him fight the Death Eaters at the Ministry of Magic. She was so brave, so determined, and he was amazed at himself for not seeing her for the young woman she truly was.

He quietly slipped out of the bed, stepping out of door, closing it behind him. He felt the pangs of hunger, realizing he hadn't eaten much that night at dinner. The old clock in the sitting room chimed four times, as Harry passed by. Breakfast would be in a few hours, but there was no reason not to have a snack in the meantime. He stepped to the door to the kitchen, and started to push it open, but paused as he heard voices. Looking in through the small opening he'd created, he could see the back of Arthur Weasley, and sitting across from him was his third eldest son, Percy. Harry frowned. How was it Percy was here, when last year he had turned his back on his family, taking the side of Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, over his own parents. Harry leaned closer to the door, to hear the two men, listening intently at the conversation.

"I'm telling you father, the Minister is in trouble," Percy was saying, as he sipped his coffee. "His refusal to accept Harry's word on Voldemort's return, cost him a great deal of supporters, and now with the situation involving Azkaban prison, has him looking over his shoulder."

"He's proven to be more a politician than a wizard," Mr. Weasley said. "When he allowed Dolores Umbridge to take over Hogwart's and put out a warrant on Dumbledore, it proved he cared little for the people who elected him, and more for the power his title allowed."

"His association with Lucius Malfoy didn't exactly help his standing either. He told me yesterday, he's determined to keep his position as Minister, regardless of the cost. He's convinced Dumbledore is after his job, and he is still determined to have Dumbledore arrested for treason. He just doesn't know how to prove it."

"That will be the day. Dumbledore arrested for treason, will happen when Fudge turns into a thin man. What news have you about Malfoy's whereabouts?"

"Nothing, it's as though he simply walked out of Azkaban and off the edge of the world. Our guards are still watching Malfoy Manor, but there has been no sign of him."

"And our spy inside the Manor?"

"I'm afraid that news is worse. We haven't heard from the inside in two days, and there has been no sign of life. Even the house elves have left the manor. I don't like the feel of this." Mr. Weasley sat silently across from his son, the two sipping from their beakers, considering all that they were told.

"I should be going," Percy said, setting his cup down. "Penelope will be worried." The younger Weasley looked to his father, a sad expression on his stern features "I wish I could tell mum we've married, and she's going to be a grandmother next spring." Mr. Weasley laid his hand across his son's.

"I know this is hard on you, it's hard on all of us, but it has to remain this way, for now at least. Harry's premonitions have laid stones to the completion of the prophecy, they will lead us to a conclusion to Voldemort's terror, and you'll be back home where you belong. Just be patient a little longer, son."

"Does mum still hate me?" Percy's voice actually shook with emotion, and Harry could see the tears slip down his freckled cheeks.

"She'll understand when the time comes," Mr. Weasley told him, reaching out and grasping the younger man's shoulder. "You are doing the Order, a great service and your mum will understand."

"What about the others? Will they ever understand that I had to act harshly, in order to convince Fudge I'm loyal to him? Will they ever forgive me for the way I've turned my back on them?"

"Percy, you have to listen to me now. I know in my heart, we will all prevail. You'll be back home soon, and all will be forgotten. We'll have a huge celebration for you and Penelope and the new baby. Just be patient a little longer."

"I'm trying father, but it isn't easy. It's hard to hide all this from mum, but Penelope thinks I've lost my mind, refusing to contact the family. She's still furious with me, that I won't let her owl mum and tell her about us and the baby."

"Just think of the world you're helping to give that baby," Mr. Weasley said, standing and walking toward the kitchen fireplace with Percy. "He deserves a free, safe world to grow up in."

"Thank God for Harry," Percy said. "I don't know where we'd be if it wasn't for him."

"He's a God send, that's for sure. It's a shame he's had to go through so much alone."

"He's not alone anymore. He's a part of a great family, I should know. There isn't a day that's gone by, that I haven't regretted accepting this assignment. I miss you." Mr. Weasley hugged his son tightly, then handed him the pot of floo powder.

"You'll be home soon, son. I promise." Percy smiled and stepped into the fireplace, taking the floo powder.

"Tell mum...well, make her understand I'll come to my senses soon." Percy smiled, dropping the powder in the fireplace and stating his destination, "Percy Weasley flat." Green flames surrounded the young man, while Harry and Mr. Weasley watched him disappear. Harry closed the door quietly, leaving Mr. Weasley to clean up the kitchen. He hurried up the stairs in silence, returning to the room where he had been sleeping with Ginny, his hunt for a snack no longer a thought, his mind consumed on what he had heard. Harry glanced to the young girl still asleep in the bed, than sat in the large velvet wingback chair beside her.

For the past year, Percy had been rejecting his family, telling Ron to cease being friends with Harry, even returning his Christmas presents to his parents, and all along he was on a mission for the Order. He wasn't the family traitor as they had all thought him to be. Harry had a new sort of respect for the former Gryffindor Prefect. Harry thought back on the past five years. He knew Percy could be pig-headed and stubborn, he was a rule monger, insisting on going by the book, letter by letter. But Harry couldn't believe the way he had turned against the greatest family in the world, closing his eyes and heart to them. Now he was proving to be more than the Hogwart's Head Boy, he was a hero, infiltrating and spying on the enemy for the goodness of all wizards, worldwide.

Harry closed his eyes, thinking back on what he had heard. Last year Percy had contacted Ron telling him it was for the best, to severe all contact with Harry, but then to hear himself being called a "God send" seemed unreal.

A soft moan escaped the delicate lips of the bed's sole occupant, causing Harry to shift his attention to her. How was it possible for him to save the entire world, when all he wanted to do was be with her? He didn't want to be the savior of the wizard world; he didn't want people looking at him in awe, pointing at the scar etching his forehead. He just wanted to be a teenager, he wanted to laugh and listen to music, and ride his broomstick. He wanted to play Quiddich, and have friends, and never again think of an evil madman out to kill him. Why was this happening to him? Why didn't Voldemort choose Neville Longbottom? Why were his parents the ones to die? Why couldn't he just be normal?

"Harry?" the soft voice sounded from the bed. Harry looked up and saw her sitting up in bed, her tired eyes looking to him. He smiled at her, watching her rub the sleep from her honey brown eyes.

"I'm right here," he told her, watching as she turned to where he sat. She frowned at the sight of him looking disheveled and thoughtful from the chair.

"What's the matter? Why are you up?" Harry's smile increased, as he returned to her side, crawling in beneath the covers and reaching out for her.

"I couldn't sleep," he told her, kissing her forehead as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"What's wrong? Have a bad a dream?" Harry chuckled, rubbing her shoulders with his warm hand.

"I could never have a bad dream, with you next to me," he told her, feeling her blush radiate up her cheeks, as he stared down at her.

"You are so sweet," she said, snuggling closer to his chest. "I don't think I'll ever grow tired of being with you."

"I hope not. I'm hoping you'll want to be by my side for a very long time to come."

"Only forever, but I can't promise any longer," she whispered with a yawn, as the two of them curled up beneath the blankets, closing their eyes and falling into a restful slumber.

Morning brought with it, an array of excitement. One day left until the beginning of school, and the house was bustling with last minute details. Tonks and Lupin were eagerly attending to security tactics, while trying not to draw attention to the way they kept looking at each other. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were making plans of how to get to King's Cross, where they would see their children and Harry off for another year of school.

Harry and Ginny were sitting at the kitchen table, discussing their classes, and making plans on how they were going to fit time in for each other, between everything else they had to do daily. They were whispering about the many hiding places Harry knew of, their heads close together. Ginny blushed bright red, when Harry suggested they could hide out in the tunnels that led to Hogsmeade.

"I take it, you two made up," Hermione said, as she and Ron entered the room. Harry leaned closer to Ginny, kissing her cheek in answer to his friend's inquiry.

"Ewww, gross!" Ron exclaimed, taking a seat across from the two. "Get a grip will you? It's really disgusting seeing my kid sister snogging my best friend."

"It could be worse," Harry teased, reaching for the glass of pumpkin juice sitting in front of him. "You could watch your sister snog your worse enemy."

"If she even thinks of snogging Malfoy, I'll disown her and kill him."

"Like I'd give her a chance," Harry mumbled under his breath, glancing up at Ginny who smiled at the comment.

"Good morning, good morning," a cheerful voice sounded from the hallway, causing the room's occupants to turn and see Dumbledore, dressed in green and gold robes, enter the room. The gold moons and stars decorating his robes, moved freely among the dark green background. His face seemed less stressful, his eyes holding a happy twinkle, making him appear much younger.

"Wonderful to see you Albus," Mrs. Weasley chimed in after everyone bid the old wizard a good morning. "Just in time for breakfast. What would you like?"

"I'll just take some tea, Molly, thank you," he answered, setting in the vacant chair at the head of the table. "So, you four, ready for another year of school?"

"And how," Ron answered. "I'm bloody tired of dusting and cleaning. I'm even looking forward to potions class and Bin's homework assignments."

"That's a miracle," Hermione added, watching the young man next to her glare. She slyly reached over to him, her arm wrapping around his shoulders. "I was just joking," she told him, kissing him on the cheek, causing the color to rise from his neck to his hairline. Harry and Ginny looked at each other and smiled.

"Ewww, gross!" they said in unison. "Get a grip." The room exploded in happy laughter, causing the color Ron was experiencing to travel to Hermione.

"So, Harry, how are you feeling?" Dumbledore said after a few moments of light conversation with the older occupants. Harry glanced up to the old wizard, frowning.

"I'm fine, Professor, how are you?" he replied. Dumbledore looked down to his teacup, paying a great deal of attention to the dark liquid.

"Any more premonitions?" he asked the boy in turn. The room fell into silence, as they all turned to Harry, who was suddenly very uncomfortable.

"Not since the last one, where I saw Lucius Malfoy killing that woman. Why?" Harry's voice was filled with suspicion. He could tell the man had something on his mind, but the look in his eyes remained calm and clear.

"No reason, Harry, just interested."

"Professor," Ginny began looking at the man at the head of the table. "Why hasn't Harry had any more visions? Do you think its over, his seeing the future I mean."

"I don't believe so, Miss Weasley," the older man answered. "If I am not mistaken, Lord Voldemort is biding his time. He'll grow tired soon, and we'll have Harry there to warn us."

"I'm not a bloody fortune teller," Harry grumbled.

"No Harry, you're not, but you are the one connection we have to him," Mr. Weasley told him, placing a warm hand on his shoulder.

"I think too many people are counting on me to defeat Voldemort, and I don't think I can do it." The room was silent, as they looked at the boy, who concentrated on the empty glass in front of him.

"You're a wise young man, Harry," Dumbledore began, his tone serious yet confident. "When the time comes, you'll have the skills and the knowledge you need to face Lord Voldemort. And contrary to current beliefs, you will not be alone when the time comes."

"Are you sure about that, Professor?" Harry looked up at the older man, his eyes locking with the older, wiser ones of the Headmaster.

"I am quite sure, Harry." The room was silent for a moment, before the old wizard cleared his throat. "I nearly forgot, Harry, I have something for you." He reached inside his robes, pulling out the sealed envelope with Harry's name on it, handing it across the table to him. Harry looked at the old man with a frown, then turned the envelope over and slipped the seal open. He pulled out the letter, feeling a heavy object folded up in the parchment. He unfolded the letter, his fingers picking up a small gold badge. He looked at the item for a few brief moments, before turning his attention to the letter. The room was silent as Harry read the words, his eyes widening, a smile crossing his lips.

"Well, what's it say?" Ron asked, looking at Harry eagerly.

"'Dear Mr. Potter,'" he began. " 'This is to inform you the life long band from flying placed on you by the former Acting Head of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Dolores Umbridge, has hereby been lifted. I am further pleased to inform you that you have been selected as captain of the Gryffindor House Quiddich Team, this year. Congratulations, Professor Minerva McGonagall.'"

"Wicked!" Ron exclaimed, jumping from his seat to read the letter over Harry's shoulder.

"Harry that's wonderful!" Ginny told him, hugging his neck tightly.

"You must have friends on the board of Governors," Dumbledore said, standing to leave. He walked to Harry and patted his shoulder, smiling brightly to the boy. "You've had a year off the broom. Think you're up to the task?"

"Yes sir, I'm definitely up to it." Dumbledore smiled, chuckling softly as he walked out the door, and out of sight.

"I suppose that means you'll be taking over the seeker's spot again?" Ginny said suddenly aware that she had just lost her place on the team. Harry looked at her and smiled, his fingers stopping his process of pinning his badge to his jumper.

"Don't worry," he told her, kissing her cheek. "I'll always have a spot for you."

"I don't think that's what she was talking about, Harry," Hermione said, with a wicked grin. "She wants to stay on the team." Ron, Harry and Ginny all looked at the serious expression on the young woman's features, jaws open.

"I can't believe she just said that," Ron whispered to his friend.

"You need to definitely get a grip on those lips of yours, Ron," Harry teased. "You've created a monster."


Author notes: How's that for a new twist? Please R/R, and Thank you so much for your comments, good and bad.