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 22

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 fear of a prophecy that dictates his future...or lack thereof. Rated R for future chapters.
Posted:
02/22/2004
Hits:
2,154


Chapter twenty-two

The Hogwart's Express pulled into King's Cross shortly after dark, and was met by a very happy Molly and Arthur Weasley, who hugged Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Harry in turn. Lupin and Moody were also there, to add support and protection, and Harry noticed how eager Lupin was to greet Tonks. Bill, Charlie and Percy Weasley were also there, and they all insisted the twins would be meeting them back at the house. Percy made his way through the group, reaching Harry and smiling brightly, shaking his hand firmly.

"I don't know how I'm ever going to thank you, Harry," he told him, his eyes misting over. "I promise, whatever it takes, I will prove how grateful I am."

"It's not necessary," Harry answered with a blush, as Ginny wrapped her arm around his waist. "I'm just glad we were able to stop whoever it was. Have you heard anything more about it?"

"Nothing," Percy said shaking his head.

"But this really isn't the place to discuss such matters," Moody insisted, taking a stance beside them.

"We have to be going anyway. The Night bus should be waiting for us," Lupin said, his hand safely surrounding Tonks.

"We're going by the Night bus?" Ginny exclaimed. "I've never been on it before. Where is it?"

"It should be here soon, so we have to get outside," Bill added, patting Percy's back and looking to his parents. Mrs. Weasley was thrilled to have her whole family together for the holidays, and made certain everyone knew it. The smile on her face never faded far away, even when Ron kissed Hermione passionately before allowing her to join her parents. Hermione insisted that Ron become more acquainted with the Grangers, and was able to drag him over to them. Ron was a vision of scarlet as he shook hands with both her parents, talking to them silently. Hermione had already informed them of hers and Ron's relationship - leaving out their encounter in Myrtle's bathroom of course - so his holding her hand, or kissing her good-bye wasn't all that surprising to them.

Ron joined the group again, a small package in one hand, a larger one in the other, his face a picture of crimson. Percy looked slightly taken aback, but Bill and Charlie, who had seen their brother and Hermione together over the summer, were eager to tease him without relenting. Ron offered each a bitter look, before handing the small package to Harry.

"Mrs. Granger said this was for you," he told his friend. "She said she wasn't sure how you wanted it wrapped, so she just had the store do it." Harry took the package, ignoring Ginny's curious look and slipped it into his jacket pocket, thanking his friend. The group left Platform 9 ¾, heading out to the main platform. Moody looked around, making certain there were no Muggles around before sticking his wand hand out. Instantly the triple-decker bus swerved to the curb, as the young pimple faced Stan Shunpike opened the door, smiling at Tonks andHarry.

"'Arry Potter," he said boldly. "Good to see you again. Me and Ernie were just talking about you yesterday, weren't we Ernie? We were wondering how you were doing. Come home for the holidays, did you?"

"Yeah, thanks." Harry smiled awkwardly, as he was pushed inside the bus by Moody, who caused Stan to grimace at the disfigured face. The rest of the group followed behind the two, climbing the stairs of the empty bus to the third deck.

"I thought Hermione would be spending some of the holiday with us," Ginny said as they climbed the steps.

"She will, but she has to spend Christmas and New Years day with her family. She'll be over the day after Christmas," Ron clarified, taking up a bed next to the one Harry plopped down on. Ginny smiled, seeing the slightly sadder expression on her brother's face, as she climbed on the bed next to Harry. Percy lost his balance as he tried to sit, nearly falling before he was able to gain his backside in the chair. Seeing the two sitting comfortably together, caused a serious shock to race through him, as he turned to Bill and Charlie exchanging glances. Harry felt the urge to ignore them, which wasn't easy considering Ginny chose that exact moment to lean close to him, kissing his suddenly dry lips.

"Get a grip, will you?" Ron grumbled, folding his arms across his chest.

"Don't worry Ron," Ginny teased. "You'll have your girl back in a few days."

"It's not soon enough," the red head mumbled under his breath.

"Why didn't Penelope and the baby come with you?" Ginny asked Percy, who had regained his composure enough to sit down, but was still issuing a curious stare to Harry.

"They're at the house," he answered, clearing his throat softly. "The baby's had the sniffles, and Penny didn't think it wise to take her out."

"I can't wait to see them. I can't believe you're a father."

"I never thought anyone would be that thick, to want to marry him," Ron commented. "Did you win her over with your caldron bottoms research?"

"No, it was his manly charms," Charlie said, chuckling at the soft blush that crept up his little brother's face.

"Haven't you seen how masculine he is, Ron?" Bill asked, gripping his brother's stubble covered chin. "He's finally old enough to shave, but forgot how in the years since Dad showed him."

"Bugger off, you two," Percy argued.

"Why don't you have to shave, Harry?" Ginny asked, realizing she had never once seen the young man with razor stubble. Harry blushed, looking down at his hand folded inside hers.

"I found a spell to control it," he told her softly.

"Why don't you just use that razor you got for your birthday?" Ron asked, leaning on his elbow and looking at his friend.

"I tried to shave once," Harry explained. "I used my uncle's razor and nearly cut off my chin. I decided after that to either try a spell or never shave again. I was a mess when I finally got the bleeding to stop. I thought I'd bleed to death, not that the Dursleys would have noticed."

"Well I for one like the idea you didn't bleed to death," Ginny said, again kissing his cheek. "I'd hate to think I'd have to snog by myself."

"Ginny Weasley," Percy snapped. "That is not how a young lady is supposed to act in public."

"Please, after catching you and Penelope snogging in the dungeons in my first year, and you dare tell me how I should be acting? Isn't that a little hypocritical?" Percy blushed brightly, remembering the time in which she spoke of.

"That was different, and we were older. Besides, I married her."

"Well good for you, but in case you haven't noticed, we're the same age you were. At least Harry is and I will be in four months."

"The fact is, you're still too young for this and shouldn't be acting this way in public."

"Apparently you're too old to remember what young love feels like," Ginny scolded, her temper rising as she continued to confront her brother head on.

"I happen to remember exactly what it was like to be sixteen," Percy stopped suddenly, his face turning ashen as he glanced back to Bill and Charlie. He indeed remembered what sixteen was like, and just how emotions had a way of taking control of rational thinking, as did his two older brothers.

"Is there something we should know about?" Bill added, barely allowing his brother to finish scolding the girl, before turning his attention to Harry, who suddenly looked horrified.

"No, I swear it," Harry said, a little louder than he had originally anticipated. His tone caused the eyes of Lupin and Tonks to turn toward them, as well as the elderly Weasleys. Ron shook his head at the expression on Harry's horrified face.

"Lay off Harry, you guys," Ron defended. "If anything were to happen, it would be Ginny's fault. She's spent the entire year, practically begging him to shag her."

"Ronald Weasley!" his mother snapped, causing the color to rise in the boy's cheeks.

"Well it's true, mum," Ron explained. "You've raised a bloody nymphomaniac. I'm surprised Harry's been able to hold her off this long."

"Ginny, is this true?" Mrs. Weasley narrowed her eyes at the young girl, who blushed profusely.

"So, what's wrong with it? It's not like none of you have ever done it. Even Ron..." she began boldly then stopped suddenly, realizing just how far she had gone. The eyes turned to Ron who sat up on his bed suddenly, his face a deep shade of scarlet again. "Harry is my soul mate, mum," Ginny continued, bringing all the eyes back to her and a very horrified Harry, who couldn't believe the girl was still talking. "I determined how much I loved Harry, and how far our destinies joined after seeing it in Divinations class. Harry and I are fated to be together, and no one can stop it, not even Voldemort."

"Don't say his name," Percy scolded again.

"Why? He's nothing to fear, not with Harry around, and you know it. Harry saved your worthless butt, or have you forgotten."

"Of course I haven't forgotten. I still have nightmares about that night. If it hadn't been for Harry, my daughter would be without a father. I owe him my life, but not my sister's virtue."

"Enough," Mrs. Weasley argued, putting a halt to the conversation, thankful they were the only ones on the bus. "We'll discuss this further, at the house. In the meantime, young lady, you had best be thinking about your actions. I intend to have a very long talk with you."

"Gees mum," Ron grumbled. "It's not like they've done anything. And even if they did, they are old enough to make that choice on their own. Bloody hell, nearly every student in our year has already shagged someone. The Patil sisters and Lavender Brown has shagged just about every boy from the sixth year. By now they're probably starting on the seventh year."

"I said that was enough," Mrs. Weasley insisted. "And your father is going to have a very long discussion with you, as well." Ron turned an angry glare back to Ginny, who bit her bottom lip, lowering her eyes. She hadn't intended to get her brother in trouble, she just didn't realize what she was saying until it was too late. Harry sensed her frustration and embarrassment, squeezing her hand, smiling at her softly when she looked up at him. He wouldn't let her take the fall alone. It was his idea this last time to take things between them further, so why would he let her get in solitary trouble. Still, the thought that he would have to confront a very angry Molly Weasley was enough to make him want to hunt down Voldemort and surrender.

Dinner that evening was joyful and happy, the tension that had developed on the Night bus was gone and all thought of what the young red head had said, was now long forgotten. Ron had been forced to go into the library with Mr. Weasley, the minute they walked through the front door - of course at Mrs. Weasley's insistence, and when they emerged twenty minutes later both father and son were beat red, and avoided looking anyone in the eye.

Ginny had taken control of little Molly practically the instant she laid eyes on her, holding her and cuddling her, talking and playing with her, making her squirm and giggle. She was delightful, and Harry felt a sudden longing for a future he was certain he would never have. For a long time, all he could do was watch her. She was absolutely beautiful and he knew she would someday make a wonderful mother. He was feeling the sorrow of not being the father of her children, when she sat down next to him, the baby still cradled against her shoulder. He looked into her eyes and tried to smile, but could barely muster much more than a soft grin. Ginny nudged his knee with her own, a look of knowledge on her face. It was amazing how easy it was for her to read his mind, and at times it really bothered him. But this was not one of those times. He was glad she knew what he was thinking, because it saved him having to speak the painful words aloud.

"Here," Ginny said, edging the little baby closer to him. "You hold her." Harry shifted suddenly in the seat, backing away from her as if she had just burned him.

"No, that's all right," he told her, placing his hands on her shoulders to keep her at a distance.

"Come on Harry. She won't bite."

"I don't know anything about babies, other than they cry a lot and smell. I'll just let you continue to play with her."

"Are you afraid of her?"

"Maybe," he told her, still keeping his distance.

"I don't believe it. You've bravely faced Voldemort more times and in more ways than anyone could ever imagine, and you're afraid to hold a little baby?"

"You're not going to bully me into taking her," Harry insisted, this time reading the intentions on her mind. "I'll read her stories and tuck her into bed at night, but I will not hold her. She's just too...tiny."

"She won't break, Harry. She's really quite adorable, and she smells wonderful, just like a new broomstick." Harry frowned at the girl.

"Babies do not smell like broomsticks, even when they stink," he argued with a grin.

"Well, I didn't think you'd believe me if I said she smells like a soft summer's breeze."

"I think you're wonderful, and I love you, but you're a nutter." Harry stood up, walking to the stove to pour a cup of tea, and to get away from the girl he suddenly wanted to give a baby of her own to. Ginny sighed. Mrs. Weasley, who had been listening, smiled at her daughter while Penelope and Percy exchanged glances with Bill, Charlie, Mr. Weasley, Tonks and Lupin. They couldn't believe the young man was actually avoiding a small baby. Granted, babies did seem to intimidate some people, but they would never have guessed the famous Harry Potter would be one of those people.

Ginny stood up, taking the baby back to Penelope then walked to Harry, slipping her arms around his waist. Harry smiled, looking down at her as he sat his cup on the counter next to him.

"I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable," she told him, when conversation began at the table again. "I didn't mean to."

"You didn't," he lied, and then smiled at her, pulling her in his arms and kissing the top of her head. "Well, maybe a little, but it's not anything I can't handle."

"I wish you'd try and relax a little. Nothing is going to happen, and you're going to be stuck with me for at least a hundred years."

"I wish I had your confidence," he told her softly, aware that the conversation of the room had ceased again.

"How about this," Ginny asked, leaning up to him, and capturing his lips with hers. The room and time seemed to fade away, as he wrapped his arms around her slender waist, falling into the kiss. She was wonderful, simply perfect. She always had a way of making him feel alive and full of hope. He just couldn't believe how fortunate he was to have her in his life.

"Get a grip," Ron said, entering the room. "I swear, you two have more snogging fests than anyone I've ever met." Ginny and Harry pulled away from each other's lips, looking to the red head.

"Even more than you and Hermione?" Harry asked with a smile, watching the blush creep up his cheeks.

"Bugger off Potter," he growled, taking a cup of tea and sitting down at the table. "Can we open presents now?"

"Not until morning, Ron," Mr. Weasley told him. "You know the rules. No presents before breakfast."

"I can't wait that long," Ron grumbled, as Harry and Ginny joined the group at the table.

"Since it's nearly midnight, I'd say you don't have long to wait," Fred said, as he and George joined them.

"A lot of help you two are," Ron complained.

"Sorry little brother," George said, ruffling his hair as he passed to take a seat next to their father.

"Hey Harry," Fred began, smiling at the dark haired young man. "Did this worthless git thank you for saving his arse?" He pointed to Percy, who glared at his younger brother.

"Yes he did, and I told him it wasn't necessary. I was just doing what needed done."

"Still, it was a gift we'll never be able to thank you enough for," Penelope said, cradling her now sleeping baby to her chest, her eyes misting over with unshed tears.

"I'm just glad to help," Harry said, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

"Harry's not one for flattery," Ginny explained. "He's a shy hero."

"I'm not a hero, Ginny," Harry grumbled softly.

"Sure you are Harry," George said with a smile. "You've rescued all of us from Ginny. That has to be the greatest sacrifice a man can give." Harry turned, chuckling at the look the girl gave her brother.

"It's a sacrifice I was willing to make," Harry said smiled boldly. Ginny narrowed her eyes to Harry, punching him in the arm.

"See what I mean?" George said laughing. "She's lethal." Harry continued to smile, rubbing his shoulder where she had just slugged him.

"That's enough," Mrs. Weasley said. "Morning is going to be here before we know it. Now then, off to bed all of you. Ginny, I'd like you to stay a few minutes." Ginny glanced to Harry, feeling the escape she had been hoping for was long past. She remained seated, as Ron patted Harry on the shoulder. The two walked together out the door, and started up the stairs when Harry stopped and leaned against the wall, allowing the others to pass by.

"What is it Harry?" Ron asked, once his brothers had disappeared.

"I can't let her take the blame herself," he told his friend. "I'm the one who told Ginny I wanted to go further. I can't let your mum scold her for what I want too."

"Harry, you don't want to hear what she's telling her. Trust me, I thought I'd die when my dad told me about contraception spells. At least I know it's safe for Hermione and I to be together."

"Keep that thought in mind," Harry told him, walking back down the stairs. "I'll want to know what he said later." Harry stepped cautiously back into the room, seeing Penelope and Mrs. Weasley sitting across from the girl he loved. Her face was bright red and she looked like she could easily turn into a snitch and fly away.

"Mrs. Weasley, Ginny isn't to blame for this alone," he told the woman, laying a warm hand on the girl's shoulder. "I'll admit at first, our getting together was her idea and I told her I wasn't ready, but as we've grown closer my feelings for her have grown as well. I love her, Mrs. Weasley, and I want this as much as she does."

"Thank you Harry," Mrs. Weasley said after a few moments. "I appreciate your telling me this, but I have to admit, I'm not happy about it. Ginny is my little girl, my last child and only daughter. It's only natural I would be more protective with her than the boys."

"Yes ma'am. And we will consider your feelings. But I've never felt like this before, and to be honest, I never thought I'd want to. I don't really understand all these feelings, but I know I would never do anything to hurt Ginny, or you. Your family has been extremely kind to me, and I don't want anything to change that."

"I don't think anything will ever change that, Harry," Mrs. Weasley said with a warm, motherly smile. "Ginny just needs to control her feelings a little more."

"But mum, I can't," Ginny complained. "I don't know how. I have never felt this obsessed about anything. I feel like I'm going to go mad if Harry and I don't..."

"I don't need to know any more, thank you. Do you two know what you're getting yourselves into? Do you know how serious this? There are consequences you need to consider. Ginny, you have two years of school left and Harry has one. You can't throw all of that away for a night of passion."

"I won't throw it away mum," Ginny confirmed. "And it will never be for a single night. Harry and I have discussed the consequences. We've chosen to take precautions, and neither of us is ready for the results of our...togetherness. Harry still thinks he's going to die when he confronts Voldemort again, and he has to overcome those feelings, before we can be truly happy and start a family. But once he's defeated him, Harry and I will be together for all eternity. I know that's why we found each other. He's my soul mate mum, I love him."

"I know you do, and I have hoped the two of you would get together since your first year," Mrs. Weasley said, looking at Ginny. "But you have to allow me the right to be concerned."

"We understand how you feel Mrs. Weasley," Harry commented, taking a seat next to Ginny, suddenly feeling his knees go weak on him. "I will never hurt Ginny, and I will never take advantage of her. Since we first got together, I've felt like I found a missing part of myself. I know what Ginny's thinking, and she knows what I'm thinking. I've never felt like this before, even my connection with Voldemort can't compare to what Ginny and I have. It's as if we're an extension of each other."

"You are, Harry," Dumbledore said, joining the four of them silently. He stepped further into the room, followed by Mr. Weasley, Bill, Charlie, Percy and the twins. The only one left out was Ron and baby Molly. Lupin, Tonks and Moody had gone out on watch, leaving the house shortly after Harry joined the girls in the kitchen.

"I think it's time you know something about your life, that I've been holding back." Harry looked at the old man, as the table became crowded with Weasleys. Dumbledore sat at the head of the table, where he always sat, folding his hands around a cup of tea Bill poured for him, and staring into the dark liquid.

"You know about the premonition Professor Trelawney had regarding you and Lord Voldemort. There was more to it than what I've told you." Dumbledore drew a deep breath, remembering what happened the last time he told Harry he'd kept secrets from him. "The premonition told of five points to the star. A star that would prove the ultimate end of the Dark Lord. The chosen one would join to one with the fire of a dragon and heart of a goddess. She would be known by the mark of a star upon her right shoulder." Dumbledore looked to Ginny and smiled, as she gasped, lowering the neckline of her blouse to reveal to Harry the star shaped birthmark. Harry frowned, staring at the girl as the aged wizard continued.

"It went further to say the soul of the two would be as one, while two others would be. The one would be a brother to the first, who would join with the strength of the one whose knowledge would outshine all others. Together they would bring in the last, the fifth point of the star, one whom the Dark Lord was eager to gain power over. If unconvinced, the Dark Lord would gain control and the four would perish beneath the full moon. The world of the wizard would be no more." The room was silent as they stared at Harry and Dumbledore. Ginny reached out and touched the boy's arm next to her, slipping against his chest as his arm wrapped around her.

"Who is the fifth point of the star?" Harry asked softly. Dumbledore frowned as he focused on the boy's question.

"The prophecy said the fifth one would suffer great tragedy with the loss of a mother's arms, and in two would he be torn, while sharing a bond of common depth with the chosen one."

"He?" Ginny said. "The fifth point is a boy?" Dumbledore nodded his head.

"You mean Malfoy, don't you?" Harry asked, realizing the tragedy the Slytherin had just endured. Again Dumbledore frowned.

"I don't know. A few weeks ago, I would have said yes, but after what I've learned tonight I can't honestly say."

"What do you mean? What happened?"

"Neville Longbottom's grandmother owled me shortly after the Hogwart's Express left Hogsmeade. His mother died last night, from complications of her treatment caused by the Death Eaters."

"Oh no," Ginny whispered, hugging closer to Harry.

"Alice Longbottom was a very good friend, and a loyal member of the Order. She'll be missed greatly," Dumbledore added. Silence fell around the room, as they all sat considering the news.

"How will we know who the fifth point is?" Harry asked. Dumbledore studied his tea for several moments before looking back up.

"I don't know. But we have two choices to work with." Harry looked to Ginny, and then to those gathered around the table.

"And if we don't find out in time, the wizarding world is lost?" Dumbledore didn't need to answer; they all knew what it meant. If it were Neville, there wouldn't be a problem convincing him, but if it were Draco, they may as well prepare to surrender the world to Voldemort now. Nobody could possibly convince the Slytherin's Pride and Joy that he should join their side against the Dark Lord. Especially if he were told he would have to join with Harry Potter, the Weasleys and a Mudblood.


Author notes: For everyone whose been writing and reviewing I just want to say Thank You. I love hearing from everyone. The upcoming chapters are going to be interesting, so stay tuned. I already have the story completed, just tweeking it a little. Also, thank you everyone who emailed me with suggestions on Ginny's birthdate. It helped a lot. Please keep R/R.