Harry Potter and the Unexpected Inheritance

Chapter 6

What's in a Name?

Harry woke up late again and once again found himself looking for Ginny. He had found himself spending a lot of time with Ginny lately. Whatever was between Ron and Hermione seemed to have taken root and they seemed to want to spend a lot of time together. Harry had seen it coming and despite the fact that he missed them, he didn't want to spoil their happiness.

Ginny was his savior. She had Ron's sense of humor, so she could usually make Harry laugh and although she didn't have Hermione's book smarts, she had an uncommon amount of common sense. Her past bravery in front of Voldemort and the one time they had danced together also had latched itself in Harry's memory, so he didn't find it at all difficult to hang out with her when Ron and Hermione couldn't be found.

She relaxed him. She fixed him.

They were together now on the grass beside the lake. Harry was stretched out on his back, his hands behind his head, his ankles crossed and his eyes closed against the sun. Ginny sat beside him, leaning on her hands, arms stretched out behind her so she could tilt her head back and soak up the late fall sun.

"Harry?"
"Hmmm?"

"Is that your real name?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, is it a nick name for Henry or Harold?" said Ginny.

Harry moved his arm and held it up against the sun to look at her. She hadn't moved. "I don't know," said Harry.

Ginny turned her head to look down at him. "You don't know?"

"I never thought about it," said Harry.

"You don't even know what your full name is?" said Ginny, starting to sound angry.

Harry dropped his arm and closed his eyes again. Damn it if that didn't hurt.

"That is so pathetic," said Ginny angrily.

"I know," whispered Harry.

"Damn it, not you, Harry," shouted Ginny. "That woman who raised you should be shot."

Harry had to smile. Ginny always defended him fiercely.

"You should ask Sirius," said Ginny. "He'll know. He's your godfather."

"Maybe I will," said Harry.

"Aren't you curious?" said Ginny. "I would be."

Since Harry had enough curiosity to deal with he turned the conversation. "So what about you?" said Harry. "Is Ginny your given name?"

"No," said Ginny hesitantly. "I'm not crazy about my given name."

Now Harry was curious. He sat up and wrapped his arms around his knees looking at her. "Well?"

Ginny looked at him. "Harry-"

"Aw, tell me Ginny. I won't tell anyone," said Harry. "If you don't want me to."

Ginny turned her head to look out over the lake. "It's Virginia," said Ginny. "Virginia Abigail Weasley."

"I like it," said Harry. "Sounds very adult."

Ginny glanced at him. He smiled at her. "Are you teasing me, Harry Potter?"

"Do I look like I'm teasing you?"

"Quite honestly, yes," said Ginny.

Harry laughed. "I'm not, Ginny, I swear. But I think you are out growing Ginny."

Ginny looked back at the lake. "And what would you call me?"

"You probably wouldn't like the response off the top of my head so give me a minute," said Harry.

Ginny made a disgruntled sound and shoved him. Harry hit his side. His Quidditch training kicked in and he had her on her back, her hands pinned over her head in less than a moment.

Harry started to tell her that he was teasing but the sight of her knocked the breath out of him. She was breathing hard, her eyes shining, her hair spilled out around her. He felt like he had just captured an angel.

She stared up at him as intently as he stared at her. Her eyes almost beckoning.

Just kiss her.

Harry shocked himself by thinking that. But that was exactly what he wanted to do.

Her gaze softened suddenly as she looked at him. "Harry," she sighed.

A dozen Snitches taking off in his chest couldn't have sounded so sweet.

Harry's head lowered. Ginny closed her eyes.

"Harry, everything ok out here?"

Harry threw himself to the side, holding a hand to his face. Ginny sat up also looking away from Hagrid as he came striding over.

"Yeah we're fine," said Harry.

"Thought maybe Ginny had fallen into the lake, or somthin'" said Hagrid.

"No," said Ginny. "I'm fine."

She sounded pretty irritated to Harry though and Harry felt a wave of guilt hit him. What was he thinking? He almost kissed her. She'd never speak to him again now and Ron would kill him.

Harry got up. "Well I should get back. I've got lessons with McGonagall in a few minutes." He walked away. He didn't look at Hagrid. He didn't look at Ginny. He just wanted to be somewhere else at that moment.

His transfiguration lesson went pretty well considering the fact that Harry was facing being expelled from the Weasley family.

Transfiguration was going well. Harry had chosen a hawk to transform into. He had done extensive research (which was required) and he had been under McGonagall grueling personal attention. He didn't mind it. He was forbidden to tell anyone about it however. Anyone who knew he was training (which was only Sirius, Remus, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Dumbledore) were not told what he had chosen. Harry kind of liked that.

Voldemort knew as well but neither one of them brought it up again.

McGonagall had told Harry he had done well again this lesson and Harry left with a smile until he remembered what he had done to Ginny.

Harry didn't think he could bear it. His only family, his best friend, - Ginny.

Harry felt rejected and dejected as he made his way up to Gryffindor Tower. He felt even worse as he reached his dorm room and found an owl waiting for him. More accurately, an owl recovering from delivering a letter. Errol.

Harry,

Ron says you've been spending a lot of time with Ginny. We'd be real mad if she got hurt for any reason. See that this doesn't happen.

George and Fred Weasley

Harry started to shake. It was happening already. Harry had lost the Weasleys.

How Harry got through the rest of the day was a complete mystery. The whole thing was a fog. He didn't bother going to Divination, 1- because he didn't want to face Ron and 2- because he didn't want to hear Trelawney predicting more horror for him. He sat in the common room staring at the fire. Misery settled around him again. Without Ron, without the Weasleys, without Ginny, Harry was lost.

"Harry Potter!"

Harry looked up. Hermione was standing over him, her fists on her waist and her foot tapping impatiently.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" she demanded.

Just the fact that she was there, told Harry she was worried. Hermione didn't ditch Arithmancy for no reason.

"I - um- don't feel well," said Harry.

SMACK. Her palm hit his cheek.

"Don't lie to me, Harry Potter, I've known you too long," said Hermione angrily. "Tell me what's wrong."

Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Hermione sat down in the chair in front of him and took his hands. More gently, she said, "Tell me, Harry."

It all spilled out then. His feelings for Ginny. How he had wanted to kiss her. That she rejected him. That the Weasley's were against him. How alone he felt again.

Hermione just sat there and listened for once.

Harry looked at her and could see that "you're being ridiculous" look in her face.

"And before you go telling me I'm wrong remember that I've been in this situation before and I know what it feels like," said Harry.

"Oh, and what about Sirius," she challenged. "What about me? Are we chopped liver? We don't count."

Great, more guilt. "That's not-"

"I know," said Hermione. "But the fact is, you should be talking to Ginny about this. Not her brothers. Did she say she didn't want to talk to you anymore?"

"No," said Harry. "But she didn't sound as if she did."

"And you're such an expert?" said Hermione sarcastically.

"Ouch," said Harry.

"Well, honestly, you know it's true," said Hermione. "Go and talk to her."

"All right, Hermione," said Harry. "You're right. I will."

"Good. Just do it before Saturday. You're playing Quidditch against Ravenclaw, remember."

Harry groaned.

************

"So what are we doing here," demanded Ginny as she looked around.

They were back out by the lake, but this time closer to the forest and hidden from the view of Hagrid's hut.

"I wanted to apologize," said Harry.

"For what?"

"For whatever I did to upset you."

"Who said you upset me," said Ginny.

"Well Fred and George threatening me and Ron not talking to me sort of clued me in," said Harry.

Ginny stood there with her mouth open.

"And you-" Harry had to clear his throat, it had gone hoarse. "You were angry when you told Hagrid you were ok."

Harry stared at the ground. Ginny jerked up his chin with her hand. "They threatened you?"

Harry nodded. "I got an owl."

"And Ron?"

"Hasn't spoken to me."

Ginny started laughing. Harry stared at her but she didn't stop. Harry felt a hole burning in his chest and he turned away.

"WAIT," shouted Ginny. "I'm sorry."

Harry couldn't look at her.

"It's just my protective brothers are so stupid."

Harry was clueless so he continued to look at the ground. Ginny moved around to face him and put her hand gently on his face. She lifted it until he met her gaze.

"They think I'm upset because of what you did," said Ginny.

"You aren't?"

"No, Harry. I'm upset because of what you didn't do."

"What didn't I do?" said Harry warily.

"I wanted you to kiss me," said Ginny shyly. "Didn't you want to?"

"Hell, yes," Harry blurted out, then clamped his mouth closed until realization set in. "You wanted me too?"

Ginny blushed and her eyes took on that same shine as the last time. Harry didn't hesitate this time. He grabbed her, pulled her into his arms and pressed his mouth over hers.

Harry wasn't quite prepared for the feelings that erupted inside him. It was like every one of his vital organs ceased to function then started working twice as hard. They malfunctioned altogether as he felt Ginny's arms wrap around him. She was kissing him back.

After a moment, Harry held her away and stared down at her. She stared back, her arms still around his neck.

"Ginny, I-I'm-"

She pressed her fingers to his lips. "Harry, don't," said Ginny. "We're fated."

"What do you mean?" said Harry.

"Rowan told me."

"Rowan?" said Harry. They were both talking so softly, Harry didn't dare move away from her. Not that he wanted to. "You can understand her."

"Yes," said Ginny. "I didn't name her. She told me that was her name. She told me that you were my wizard too."

Harry blinked at her. She was grinning. Rowan didn't consider herself Harry's Phoenix she considered Harry her wizard.

He laughed and put his hand to her face. She leaned her cheek into his palm, closing her eyes.

"Ginger," said Harry softly. She raised her gaze to his and he leaned down and kissed her again. She had been right. It did feel right. Actually, it felt wonderful.

Ginny looked up at him. "Ginger?"

Harry pulled her into a hug. "The spice in my life," whispered Harry.

Ginny sighed, tightening her arms around him. "I like it."

**************

Later, Harry found a very annoyed looking Ron and a very amused looking Hermione staring down at him in the common room.

"What did you do to my sister?" said Ron, talking a chair across from Harry.

Harry glanced at Hermione who looked up at the ceiling.

"Why, what's wrong with her?" said Harry.

"Well, she's acting like a ding bat," said Ron. "You must have done something. You were the last one to talk to her."

"Um, well," said Harry, sending Hermione another look, willing her to say something, to help him. "I - er - kissed her."

Hermione took that moment to speak up. "Must have been some kiss, Harry."

So much for help. He glanced at Ron expecting him to stand up and deck Harry.

Ron blinked at him. "So it's true," said Ron. "You like her."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Ron, you are so dense."

"She's my sister," said Ron.

"So," said Hermione. "He's your best friend."

"I know that-"

"And your whole family has already adopted him," said Hermione. "So what if Ginny loves him."

Harry looked back and forth between the two of them as they bickered about he and Ginny.

"Excuse me," said Harry finally. They looked at him. "Do you mind if me and Ginny decide our future for ourselves."

Hermione laughed. Ron grinned at him. "Sorry, Harry," said Ron. "It just feels weird, having your best friend interested in your little sister."

"She's 15, Ron," said Harry. "And did I complain when you and Hermione became a couple."

Hermione turned red and Ron looked at the floor.

"And don't tell anyone," said Harry. "I mean apart from your family, no one," Harry stressed.

"Why not?" said Hermione.

Harry stared at her. "Why do you think?"

Hermione covered her mouth with her hand, obviously recalling the conversation the two of them had had before the dance last year. "Voldemort," she whispered.

****************

It was a Saturday morning a week later and Harry had gotten up late again. His Transfiguration lesson the night before had gone late because McGonagall had felt Harry had mastered the task of the actual transformation and wanted him to transform over and over again. She had also brought him up to Dumbledore's office to show him.

Dumbledore had seemed impressed, so Harry was pleased. They both also stressed the point of not telling anyone what he could transform into nor showing it to anyone. They told him he wasn't going to be registered. It was almost like they considered it some sort of secret weapon.

Harry was puzzled but didn't ask. He had learned in the past, the less he knew, the better.

He spotted Ron, Hermione and Ginny down at the far end of the Gryffindor table and moved to them. Several students stopped talking as Harry passed them. Since it had become so common, Harry didn't notice.

But as he got closer, he noticed Ron looked angry and the girls looked upset.

"-have to tell him," said Ron insistently.

"Tell who what?" said Harry, sitting down next to Ron across from Hermione and Ginny. But Harry had a bad feeling it was himself and that he wasn't going to like it. He became sure when Ginny looked away and Hermione sat there with her mouth open.

Harry looked at Ron. Hermione gasped and when Harry looked back at her, found her looking at the doors. Harry turned in his seat and saw Sirius striding toward him.

Sirius? Great. Harry stood up as Sirius approached him and gave him a hug.

"What are you doing here?" said Harry.

"Are you all right?" said Sirius.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Sirius looked at Ron and Ron shook his head. Hermione bit her lip.

"Great," said Harry. "What's going on?"

"Harry, come with me," said Sirius.

"What's wrong now?" said Harry as they moved out of the Great Hall.

"Just come," said Sirius.

Sirius took him to Dumbledore's office, which was open and when they had moved up the moving staircase, they found Dumbledore's inner office crowded. Remus was there as well as Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall, Mr. Weasley, Ludo Bagman and even the Minister of Magic himself, Mr. Goodhue.

This couldn't be good. "What's wrong?" said Harry. "What's happened?"

"Come in, Harry," said Dumbledore.

Harry inched in, looking at all the worried faces staring back at him.

Bagman stepped up to him. "Do you know about Azkaban?"

Harry glanced at Snape. "Yes," Harry told Bagman. "I found out last week."

"Did you aid in any way?" said Bagman.

"What do you mean aid?" said Harry, getting confused.

"Did you help the Death Eaters liberate Azkaban.

"What?" said Harry, horrified. "No. Why would I? I can't even get near a Dementor without passing out." He looked up at Sirius. Sirius laid a hand on Harry's shoulder.

The minister stepped before him. "Harry," said Mr. Goodhue. "Have you joined him?"

"What?" now Harry was incredulous. "NO!" He looked around at all the skeptical faces. Even Mr. Weasley looked concerned. "What's going on?"

"I told you," said Sirius. "He doesn't know."

Dumbledore nodded.

"Know what?" said Harry.

"Harry," said Dumbledore. "Voldemort has taken steps to make the wizarding world think that you've joined him."

"What?" said Harry. "How?"

"It has a lot of people very afraid," said Goodhue.

"But everyone in this room knows that I'd die first," said Harry.

"But to the community-"

"What has he done?" Harry cut the Minister off. He looked at Sirius. "What's he done now?"

Sirius sighed. "The wizarding world thinks he bought you," said Sirius.

"Bought me," echoed Harry confused again. "I don't understand."

The Minister of Magic handed him a copy of the Daily Prophet. Harry read the headline:

Entire Slytherin Estate Bequeathed To Harry Potter