Family

Family

Chapter Six
Hogsmeade

Ginny wasn't wrong when she told Harry that he was always slow, Harry realized some time later. It took him three dreams--the last with an Animagus transformation--to realize that his dreams hadn't been about himself and Ginny.

They had been about his parents.

The O.W.L.s (Ordinary Wizarding Levels) were drawing nearer, and the fifth years found themselves being thrown into a lot of schoolwork. Hermione and Ron had begun bickering with each other again over studies--Hermione was convincing him and Harry to stay up well after midnight to master their lessons. Harry's only real problem was Divination (he still couldn't get the feel of the Tarot cards) and Potions--after his detention, he couldn't quite get the hang of the Forgetfulness Brew, as if he had gotten a dose himself.

Harry certainly didn't mind sleeping late, but he wanted very badly to fall asleep every night, so he could dream about his parents. He was weaving a story about them--their days in Hogwarts and after. All of them were sweet, wonderful moments, and after every dream, when he woke up and recalled it, he felt a mixture of pride, joy, and sadness.

Harry didn't mention his dreams to anybody. They came every night, and it took him a while to recollect the dream the moment he woke up. But he couldn't quite accept the feeling that it was really he and Ginny in the dreams out of his mind. It was like he and Ginny assumed his parents' places in his dreams. Whenever his father hugged his mother, it felt like he was holding Ginny. He smelled Ginny's fragrant hair, felt her soft skin.

He began to wonder if her lips felt like that, too....

All April, Harry and Ginny did almost everything together. They dined in the Great Hall together, visited Hagrid a few times, spent evenings in the common room, and crept down again to the kitchens a couple of times. They became inseparable. Almost every Gryffindor now thought they were an item, but they ignored them. They were comfortable, being one another's friend and support.

Harry, on the other hand, had been wrestling with his feelings all month. It was made even more complicated by the dreams. Still, he didn't want to acknowledge his feelings, that Ginny could be...something more. He felt that the way it was--being together, simply because of a certain closeness--was already more than he could ask for.

Meanwhile, the schoolwork was building a great strain among the fifth years, so it was a great relief among them when the teachers announced that there would be a Hogsmeade visit on the fourth weekend of April. Even Hermione felt relieved at the news.

"This is great," Hermione gushed. "One day free of studies. I'm getting a headache reading all those volumes."

"That's a first," Ron muttered to Harry.

Harry didn't know if it had been Ginny who convinced Ron that they were just friends. He somehow doubted it; he had a strong suspicion that Hermione had talked to Ron about it. Whatever happened, Harry was extremely thankful that Ron didn't seem so mad at him for hanging around with Ginny all these weeks--although Ron still had this slight squint on him whenever he and Ginny sat down on the armchairs in front of the fire. But what was important was that Ron was at least speaking to him like he used to.

"Harry--can I talk to you for a minute?" Ron asked, his tone a bit serious.

"Er, sure," Harry replied. Ron steered them both from Hermione's curious gaze. Harry knew, at once, that this was going to be about Ginny. And he was right.

"Listen--I know you and Ginny are going to be with each other all day--"

"Ron--" Harry started to say, but Ron cut him off.

"I know, I know. Hermione and I are going to hang out together all day too, see. So...just...take care of my sister or something."

Harry shrugged. "Of course," he said, thinking that there was no need for Ron to say that. "Don't worry."

Weird, Harry thought, slightly bristling as Ron returned to Hermione. Is he thinking we're going to end up in an inn or something?

And yet, within those words, there seemed to be an unspoken promise. And Harry knew it.

Ginny suddenly materialized beside him. "Ready?"

All other thoughts vanished from Harry's head.

It was spring mixed with summer; few clouds were in sight, the air was becoming considerably warmer, and everyone was in a cheerful mood. After a round of butterbeer with Ginny, Hermione and Ron in The Three Broomsticks, they headed out on the road, all grinning widely.

"Where're you two headed?" Harry asked Ron and Hermione.

"Zonko's, maybe," Ron said. "I'm low on Dungbombs."

"You're always low on Dungbombs," Hermione said exasperatedly.

"Dungbombs rule."

"I have to go to Honeydukes," Ginny said, motioning to the candy store at the end of the street.

"All right, then," Ron said, taking Hermione's hand and giving Harry a reminding look, "see you later."

Harry inwardly groaned. As he and Ginny headed to Honeydukes, he nudged her on the side. "Low on Chocolate Frogs, Gin?"

"Nah," said Ginny as they entered the store. "Not really."

Several third years were already inside. Being new to the place, they were all keen on buying just about every candy sold by the store. The boys, meanwhile, were examining the more revolting candies in the store--Cockroach Clusters, for one.

Ginny headed to the counter where boxes of Every Flavor Beans were displayed, and took two of them; then she took a large pack of Chocolate Frogs. She also took some Ice Mice, the levitating sherbet balls, and Toothflossing Mints.

Harry raised both eyebrows. "Are you going to eat all those alone?" he inquired curiously.

Ginny began examining the Sugar Quills. "I...really don't want to sound self-glorifying or something."

"Why?" Harry pressed on.

Ginny hesitated. "You sure you want to know?"

Harry squinted at her. "Yeah...why?"

Ginny took a handful of Sugar Quills. "These are for the first and second years," she explained. "I promised I'll bring them some. And they can really use these." She waved the quills in front of Harry's face. "In case I bore the pants off them tonight."

Harry took a box of Chocolate Frogs himself, but still stared at Ginny. "Bore them? Why?"

Ginny's cheeks began to turn pink. "'Cause...I'll be tutoring them again tonight." She peered into Harry's surprised face. "Listen, I don't want you to be proud of me or something. That's why I didn't tell anyone. You haven't noticed, have you?"

Harry shook his head. "No," he admitted.

Ginny smiled as she fell in line to pay for her purchases. "Good. You won't tell anyone, right?"

Harry didn't say anything. It was difficult not to feel proud of her. He was deeply impressed--he thought about all the efforts she must have put into teaching the first and second years. And she was going to bring them something tonight. He barely noticed--he knew she often talked to those from lower years, but he didn't imagine she was actually teaching them.

"You're quiet," Ginny said sternly as they left Honeydukes. "Don't be. I told you, I don't want to glorify myself."

Harry stopped in their tracks and stood in front of Ginny. "How can I not be proud of you?" he said softly. "You're patient enough to teach kids, you're thoughtful, you're sympathetic, you're independent and witty...you're practically the most amazing girl I've ever met."

Ginny's eyes widened. Harry saw her swallow before speaking. "Harry--stop that," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I meant what I said," Harry insisted. He looked deeply into Ginny's wide eyes. He didn't feel any gnawing sensation in his stomach; he didn't falter as he spoke. He was serious.

"Why are you doing this?"

As Harry and Ginny locked gazes, he remembered all that she had done since they grew closer to one another: the way she teased Harry continually, the comfort she had given him when he needed a shoulder to cry on, the understanding he always saw in her eyes. He remembered, as if they were perpetually set in his mind, her beautiful smile, her mischievous grin, her soothing voice, her warm touch and embrace. He became aware of a painful desire to protect her, take care of her, and give her all that he had.

In that single moment, a sudden realization washed over him: I love this girl. I really, really do.

But another thought flitted through his mind. Saying that I don't is a lie. Saying that I do is too fast.

Harry stood there, irresolute of what he must do for a long while. Finally, he took her hand. Both of their rings were glowing, but they hardly noticed. "Ginny," he whispered, squeezing her hand, "you'll know someday."

A new sort of gaze developed on Ginny's face. It was one of recognition. Her lips parted as she took a sharp intake of breath.

"I've dreamed of this before," she said, still not tearing her gaze away from Harry. "You--and me--we were...on this balcony, and it was nighttime..." She struggled to keep her voice from shaking. "And there were...shooting stars. I told you something like that--'maybe you'll know someday.'"

Balcony. Shooting stars. It did sound familiar....

"Ginny," Harry suddenly said, "in that dream, did I--did I just--kiss you?"

Ginny had no time to reply. For just as Harry finished speaking, they heard a loud explosion from inside Honeydukes, causing the two of them to jump apart. All of a sudden, screams from the inside of the store erupted. Several students, still yelling, ran out of the store.

"What was that?" Ginny gasped.

Harry took out his wand from the pocket of his robe. "I don't--"

Harry stopped short, for another explosion was heard--and a shape suddenly floated through the Honeydukes roof upward. It was made out of what looked like stars and greenish smoke, and it was in the shape of a skull with a snake jutting out of its mouth.

The Dark Mark.

There's a Death Eater in Honeydukes.

Harry felt Ginny grasp his arm tightly. Just a while ago, he was inside...and the store was full to bursting with Hogwarts students....

"I'm going in," Harry said, panicking, tightening his hold on his wand. "Run for it, Ginny. Go."

"No," she uttered, taking her own wand. Her voice was trembling, but she looked steadfast. "I'm going with you."

"Ginny, it's not safe!"

"I don't care! There are students in there, Harry!"

Another explosion. Knowing better than arguing with a Weasley, especially this one, he dashed for the Honeydukes door, knowing that there wasn't time--and that whatever happens, Ginny would come out safe. Whatever happens, he reminded himself.

He kicked the door open.

All the cabinets and barrels were on the floor, destroyed; candies were strewn everywhere. Black-robed bodies were lying on the floor. Four students were huddled on a corner, shaking, apparently too terrified to scream.

In the middle of the room, a hooded figure stood, whirling around to look at Harry and Ginny when they entered.

"Well, well, well," the figure spoke from under the hood, sounding pleased to see Harry. "We've met yet again, Harry Potter."

Harry didn't have to think twice to recall whose voice he heard.

"Lucius Malfoy," Ginny snarled beside him.

The hooded figure removed his cloak. Lucius Malfoy stood, his face twisted into a cruel smile, his cold gray eyes boring into Ginny, who glared back, her wand pointing at him.

"Ah yes, of course," Malfoy sneered. "The Weasley brat. Still alive after being cooped up in the Chamber of Secrets not too long ago."

Harry shielded Ginny with an arm and pointed his wand at Malfoy with his other hand. "Leave," he commanded, sounding a lot braver than he felt.

They heard an explosion outside, and more shrieks of terror. Malfoy hung his head back and laughed horribly.

"That would be from Zonko's," he declared. "Reinforcements have come in."

"Ron," Harry heard Ginny whisper through gritted teeth. "Hermione."

Harry realized with a jolt that this was a full-blown attack--probably the first in the country. And they had chosen an all-wizarding village...not too far from the school.

Harry's eyes fell on to the students, still crouching in the corner. He registered that all of them were third years. He thought quickly. They have to escape from here. Ginny seemed to read his mind, for as Malfoy continued to laugh, she began edging towards them. Harry edged on the other side so that Malfoy's back was turned on Ginny.

"Took you a long while to begin attacking," Harry growled, still pointing his wand at Malfoy, trying to distract him from Ginny and the third years. "You seem like you're having a hard time."

"Dim-witted boy," said Malfoy, the twisted smile never leaving his face, "in all plots for world domination, long, hard planning is necessary."

"Doesn't seem so." Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Ginny motioning furiously to the third years to come with her. She still held her wand at Malfoy. Pale and quivering, the third years crept towards her. "I take it Dumbledore has stopped you from setting up more attacks."

"Yes, but he didn't seem to stop this one, did he?" Yet another explosion from outside was heard, and Malfoy smiled again. "Ah, The Three Broomsticks."

Fred. George. Neville. Dean. Seamus. Harry was mentally counting the ones they had left in the pub just half an hour ago. He gripped his wand more tightly.

"You're not going to succeed." Harry's voice was menacing. Irrepressible anger was coursing through his veins, overpowering the anxiety he felt for his friends.

"Oh, won't we?" Malfoy snarled. "We shall see."

Harry prepared himself--Malfoy's wand arm was raised--but to his great surprise, Malfoy swiveled around with great agility--and pointed his wand at Ginny.

"Cunctantis aegrotatio!"

"EXPELIARMUS!" Harry yelled as his heart leapt to his throat--Malfoy's wand flew high into the air--but he took one look at Ginny, and knew that he had failed in keeping his promise to Ron.

For Ginny was lying facedown on the floor.

The third years had escaped; Malfoy's wand was on the ground. Harry tore for it and snatched it up before Malfoy did. But even before he straightened up, Malfoy lunged at him, causing Harry to let go of the wands. Malfoy pinned him on the ground and took hold of his neck.

Harry began to choke--his air pipe felt blocked--he couldn't breathe, and stars were flashing before his eyes. Yet through his muddled brain, a voice seemed to chant: You're not going to die. Fight. Fight, Harry. Fight for Ginny.

With what remained of his strength, Harry curled his leg upward and kicked. He caught Malfoy at the lower belly. Gasping for breath, still feeling the world whirl around him, Harry picked up his wand.

"The Dark Lord is going to be very pleased when I deliver you to him," Malfoy proclaimed triumphantly. He had gotten hold of his wand again. "Stupefy!"

Harry was prepared for this. "Contego!" The Shield Charm, more powerful than he had ever done before, worked; he wasn't affected by the Stunning Spell.

At that moment, the door was blasted open, and another Death Eater entered.

"Dumbledore's arrived," he growled. "We must leave."

Malfoy suddenly looked alarmed. He snatched up his cloak and, without as much as a glance at Harry, Disapparated with the other Death Eater into thin air.

Harry stood up and ran straight to Ginny.

Her eyes were closed; her parted lips were horribly pale. He pressed his fingers on her neck. Her pulse was there, weak but steady.

Bodies were everywhere--blood was slowly seeping out of the robes of two of the students. Harry looked around him helplessly, cradling Ginny in his arms.

"Anyone here!" A male voice yelled from outside Honeydukes. Harry knew who it was--his godfather--

"SIRIUS!" Harry shouted.

Sirius Black, his face pale and haggard, appeared inside the ruined shop. He made his way towards Harry. His face suddenly filled with concern. "Harry--are you okay?"

"They're not," Harry said, shuddering as he motioned at his schoolmates around him. "And Ginny here--"

"I'll take care of them," Sirius told him. "Ginny will be okay. Take her back to Hogwarts."

Sirius turned to one of the fallen students. He upturned the brunette's face--it was Bridget, the third-year Gryffindor girl. Her body covered the door to the wine cellar which, Harry knew, led to a secret passage to Hogwarts. If the door had been blasted apart--

Harry closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for Bridget--thank you, he added. You saved everyone else without knowing it.

Harry stood up, carrying Ginny. She was very light. With a nod to Sirius, he took Ginny outside.

It was worse. Three Dark Marks were floating in the air--one each for Honeydukes, Zonko's and The Three Broomsticks. Harry gaped around, numb disbelief filling his head. Crying, hysterical students held each other close; others were treating their own cuts and bruises. The professors have arrived. They were restlessly darting from one group of students to another. Harry scanned the crowd, looking for his friends.

His prayers were not in vain. "Harry!"

"Hermione!" Harry shouted hoarsely. Hermione approached him. Her face was white--like all of the other faces there now. However, she looked alert, though tired. She had a cut on her forehead. She quickly checked Ginny's pulse. "Where's Ron?" Harry asked.

"In Zonko's," Hermione said, touching Ginny's face. "He's helping...the victims." Hermione's words ended with a tremble. "What happened to Ginny?"

"Lucius Malfoy cursed her," Harry said, feeling anger rise up his body again. "I don't know what it was--it sounded strange. I've never heard of it before."

"You'd better take her to Hogwarts now," Hermione whispered. "She'll be fine. We'll take care of it--Harry?"

For Harry had gone rigid. Behind Hermione, there stood Ron, a look of total disbelief on his blood-spattered face as he stared at his unconscious sister, and for Harry, it was more terrible than seeing Ron at his angriest.

For some reason, he knew then that Ginny was not going to be fine at all.

Author's Notes: I need a bit of help...I dunno if the Latin curse is correct. If you don't think so, if I made something wrong with the Latin grammar, please tell me. I dunno the first thing about Latin. Heheh...anyway, so much for an action-packed chapter. More to come soon.