Harry Potter and the Dangerous Choice

Chapter Fifteen

Something To Live For

Harry sat in his bed, with his Charms textbook propped open on his lap and his lit wand illuminating the pages. He glanced through the darkness toward Ron's sleeping form. It was good to have him back in Gryffindor Tower. His absence at meals and his empty bed made the already bleak situation in the castle seem even bleaker. Hermione and Ginny had now estimated that nearly a third of all the students had been kept back at home by their parents over fears of attacks by Voldemort's forces. Harry knew there were Slytherins who were not at school but it was suspected that they were being kept at home to confirm the families dislike of Dumbledore, or loyalty to the dark lord. Unfortunately, that had not stopped Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle from returning to school.

In the darkness, Harry could make out, near the window, the outline of the cane Madam Pomfrey had given to Ron. Ron's leg was obviously causing him considerable pain. Harry thought back to dinner. Even though it was Ron's first night back from the hospital wing, he had insisted on stumping down to dinner with them, even though Hermione had offered to bring him a plate of food. Ron's face had been pale with pain by the time they had reached the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore had come over to have a word with Ron. Harry had gone with Hermione, and Ginny to find seats. After a minute, Ron limped over to the table and sat down.

"What did Dumbledore say?" asked Ginny.

"Oh, he said I could skive off lessons for a few days if I wanted, owing to my leg," said Ron, dishing mashed potatoes on to his plate. "I told him, no. Told him I could handle it."

Hermione had opened her mouth to say something, but thought better of it and simply watched Ron. Ginny had raised her eyebrows, "Fred and George would be horrified if they could hear you now. A perfectly good reason to skive off and you're not using it?" she said, obviously hoping to get a rise out of Ron. Harry had watched his friend's face, but Ron ignored the comment and set about eating.

Harry sighed. Ron could be very stubborn on occasion, but Harry wished he'd just get angry and yell about what was bothering him, rather than keep it in. Harry could understand his feelings at finding himself with a limp that might never go away, and having suffered it at the hands of Percy, his own brother. Now that brother was dead. Dumbledore had made a brief announcement the morning following the accident, in which he told the students that an unfortunate event had caused the death of Percy Weasley, who was a guest in the castle. It had seemed to Harry as though the students were becoming used to bad news, since there was very little talk about the accident. Dumbledore did not mention Ron's injury or that, in this case, Madam Pomfrey was not going to be able to clear up the damage as well as she usually did.

Harry extinguished his wand, put his book aside and sank down onto his pillow. He did not feel sleepy as he stared up toward the ceiling. What he'd like to know, was what had been done with Percy's body. He guessed that it had been taken away soon after Percy was pronounced dead, but he did not want to ask, as it seemed in bad form. Still he was curious. He wondered who took charge of the body and where it would be buried.

The Daily Prophet mentioned Percy's death, but in a very small article on page twelve. It said his death was the result of an accidental fall, but did not give out any other details. Perhaps it was due to the fact that the same night there were a rash of new attacks. This time, a small muggle village in the north was nearly flattened in the middle of the night. The details were sketchy as no survivors were found, but also no bodies. The muggles seemed to have disappeared. After that incident, Harry noticed the teachers huddled together, talking in whispers between classes.

Harry had a lot of things spinning through his head and he passed the night in a fitful sleep, disturbed by little snatches of dreams he could never remember as he tossed and turned. As a result, he was bleary-eyed and tired the next day. He was glad when classes were done for the day and he was headed toward dinner. Ron, Hermione and Ginny were already seated when he arrived in the Great Hall. He took a seat next to Ron. As they ate their fill of roasted chicken, Professor McGonagall came to the table and bent to talk to Ginny, before making her way to the teachers table.

"Ron," began Ginny, once McGonagall had left, "We have to go see Professor Dumbledore as soon as we're done with dinner."

"What about?" asked Ron, sounding tired. Harry could tell Ron was still not recovered, and the day's activities had worn him down.

"It's about Percy's memorial service," said Ginny, avoiding her brother's eyes.

Ginny and Ron left the Great Hall together after dinner, and returned to the common room soon after Harry had spread out his books to study alongside Hermione, near the fire. Ginny went straight up to the dormitory, but Ron collapsed into an empty chair at the table. "There's going to be private memorial service for Percy. Mum wanted to keep it just to our family. Dumbledore said she's still taking it very hard. I guess The Order also has its reasons for wanting to keep Percy's death quiet. Dad told Dumbledore that as far as anyone at the Ministry knew, Percy had just stopped coming to work and had gone off somewhere. No one really bothered to look for him. Then they reported he'd had an accident."

"So he's not been missed at the Ministry?" asked Hermione.

"I'm guessing he wasn't very popular," said Ron. Harry recalled Percy's behavior on the last few occasions when he had seen him. Percy had become quite over-eager and pompous; not endearing qualities, in Harry's estimation.

Fred and George Weasley were waiting in the common room the next morning before Harry and Ron set off for breakfast. When they saw Ron they sprung to their feet and came over to him at once. "Looking marvelous," said George appraisingly, "isn't he, Fred?"

"Spiffing," said Fred, slapping Ron on the back.

Ron couldn't help but smile at his twin brothers. "We've come to take you and Ginny home for the family service for Percy," said George.

"Mum wants all of us home, and wants us to all sit around remembering him," said Fred.

"Seems quite important to her. Still, he had become quite a little git the last few years, and we..."

"Can't bring ourselves to feel very sorry," finished George. "He brought a load of it on himself when he turned away from dad and mum."

"Don't let Ginny hear you talking about Percy that way. I don't reckon she liked him that much, but she's absolutely against anyone saying something bad about him," warned Ron.

"Don't we know it" said Fred and George in unison.

"Not to worry. We'll be properly sorrowful," Fred said hanging his head. Then he continued more seriously, "Mostly, we were worried about you, little bro."

"Right," said Ron skeptically.

"Seriously, Ron, how is your leg?" asked George.

"It's fine," Ron said flatly. Fred and George looked at each other, and then went off in search of Ginny. Harry could tell Ron was grateful that his brothers were not going to interrogate him about his condition. He had become surlier with each person who enquired about the condition of his leg.

"Fred and George are being kind of hard on Percy, I mean, he's dead, and he was cursed by the death eaters," said Hermione, coming up behind them.

"Oh, they don't really mean it," said Ron absently. "Besides, they're right about Percy bringing it on himself."

Hermione's jaw clenched, but she held her tongue.

Harry and Hermione sat across the table from each other in the Great Hall at lunch. Ron and Ginny had gone by floo powder with Fred and George back to the Burrow, and were not expected to return until Saturday. As Harry was polishing off a lamb chop, he thought about the Weasley's, wondering how they all were doing. Hermione must have been having the same thoughts for she looked over at Harry and asked him if he'd ever been to a funeral. Harry had not.

He remembered Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia going to the funeral of someone that Uncle Vernon worked with. He and Dudley had been about seven years old, and had been left with Mrs. Figg for the afternoon. Since the Dursley's had always strongly discouraged Harry from asking any questions, he had stifled his natural curiosity once again and never got much information about the process. Dudley, who could have asked questions and received answers, of course, did not.

Hermione had been to the funeral of her grandmother, and an elderly aunt. She wondered aloud what a wizard funeral was like, and predictably, suggested the library as a place to find answers. Neville was sitting next to Hermione and had overheard her. "I've been to a wizard memorial service," Neville said. "Wizards don't usually call them funerals; they have separate wizard graveyards too. Muggles don't go there, because they have those muggle repelling charms on them."

"Why is that, do you reckon," asked Harry.

Natalie MacDonald leaned over Dean Thomas "It's because wizards live a lot longer than muggles. The muggles would be shocked if they saw the grave of someone who lived about 200 years, wouldn't they?"

Harry considered this. It certainly wouldn't apply in Percy's case, because he was only about nineteen, or so.

As the days passed, Ron's leg seemed to improve. By the middle of the next week he didn't need the cane any longer. Hermione thought he was pushing much too hard, and should be taking things easier, but Ron seemed to take it as a challenge to show that he was as good as ever, if not better. He was even studying harder, which was definitely not like Ron.

As they were preparing for bed on Wednesday night, Harry saw Ron massaging his leg, near the ankle. "Does it bother you a lot?" asked Harry.

"Oh, not so much," replied Ron distractedly. "Harry, do you think Hermione will still like me if I'm ...if I'm like this, for life?"

"Get serious Ron," said Harry. "Hermione isn't like that. You know that. I mean, she likes you, she likes your personality, doesn't she."

"Maybe," said Ron sulkily. "She could be going out with Krum or somebody really good like that. She's really smart and she's pretty, don't you think?"

"Ron, she likes you." Harry said. Looking at his friend, he knew Ron was not convinced.

The next day, Harry made a point of holding Hermione back as Ron left them for Divination class. "Come over here for a minute," whispered Harry. They walked over to a stone bench in the courtyard, out of the wind, and sat down.

"Harry, I have to get to my next class," said Hermione, "What did you want?"

"Listen, Hermione, take care of your boyfriend, will you?" said Harry.

"What do you mean?" asked Hermione.

"Ron thinks you won't like him now that he's got that limp. I think he's worried you'll go off with someone else."

"Oh...really!" Hermione exclaimed disbelievingly. Then she paused, looking both angry and sad, as tears welled up in her eyes. "Oh, Harry, how can he even think that," she sniffed.

"You know Ron. I'll bet he's thinking he's not good enough for you."

Hermione sat up straight and dabbed her eyes with the edge of her cloak. "I'll talk to him, and make him see how I feel," she said resolutely. "Thanks Harry."

Harry arrived a bit late to Potions but Mac just smiled and waved him in, handing him a parchment list. "These are the potions we have done thus far. I have marked the three that you had problems with, and I want you to do those three over again. Next, I would like you to choose a potion to learn by heart, something you might use in the future. After that, I think we will move on to some of the potions that aurors need to be able to recognize." As Harry scanned the list he realized just how many different potions they had made. He guessed that with the double class period almost every day, there had been a lot of time in which to do it. It seemed a pretty impressive list.

"What kind of potions do aurors need to recognize?" asked Harry as he set to work in front of his cauldron.

Mac brought him some ingredients from the cabinet. "Mostly poisons of various kinds," said Mac. "You need to know the poisons and the antidotes."

Harry nodded, then took out his book and looked up the first of the three potions he had done rather badly on. Gripping Solution. It was supposed to be used to hold things together until a releasing solution was applied. He hadn't been able to manage a solution that would hold longer than five minutes, and the coat hook he had stuck to the wall with it had clattered to the ground almost immediately.

That night, Harry was to have his weekly meeting with Professor Dumbledore to review his progress with Elemental spells. This would be his fourth meeting and they would be trying the spell for air tonight. As Harry walked toward the headmaster's office he thought back over his last two meetings with Dumbledore. Each had been short and to the point. At the second meeting Harry demonstrated how he could will water to swirl up and out of the glass and then sink back again, without spilling too badly. Harry knew he was a bit sloppy. Still Dumbledore did not seem to mind the puddle he had created on the desktop.

At the next lesson Dumbledore had shown him how to use the spell for earth by making a large smooth stone split into about ten small stones and whirl around in a circle before joining back into a single stone. Harry had been able, after a half dozen tries, to make the stone split into three very uneven pieces which quickly rejoined. He was rather embarrassed about his rock, but Dumbledore seemed entirely pleased with his progress.

"You are only just sampling the power of the elements, Harry. You must realize that what I am showing you is only an example of how an element may be used. Its power and its use are for the spell castor to determine. The greater the positive energy of the wizard, and the understanding of the potential within the element, the more effective the spell. Many things can be done with such spells. Their power is not limited to the simple tricks we are doing today."

Harry continued to practice in the moments when he was alone, but knew he should be spending more time on them than he was. As he approached the gargoyle, he wondered what tonight's lesson would be like.

"Come in and sit down Harry," said Dumbledore. Harry settled himself in his chair. He had been wondering all week what the point of putting a spell on air might be. He couldn't see how something like that could be very powerful or useful. "We have now reached the enchantment of air," said Dumbledore. As though the headmaster had read his thoughts, he said, "Air encompasses the wind and the forces of weather. These are extremely powerful forces. The effects can be subtle or overwhelming. A very useful spell is the creation of a fog or a mist. It could be used to help you from an enemy...."

Just then Snape burst into the room. "Headmaster, I have some information. The situation...," Snape said before noticing Dumbledore was not alone. Snape glared down his nose at Harry, and folded his arms, tossing his greasy hair back from his face. Harry instinctively blocked his mind against intrusion. Snape snapped his gaze back toward Dumbledore who seemed to be waiting for Snape to continue. Snape simply said, "Order business," and then stood narrowing his eyes at Harry.

"Oh, quite," said Dumbledore. "Harry may hear whatever you have to tell me Severus," said Dumbledore patiently. "Remus, Arthur and I are agreed on this point."

Snape did not appear to agree, but looked at Dumbledore and said sharply, "As you wish." He strode to the side of Dumbledore's desk and said, "I have learned that Voldemort has indeed brought giants to Britain. He has them secluded somewhere in the north. The attack on the village reported in the Daily Prophet was a giant attack. I have not been able to find out yet what happened to the muggles who lived there, but the likelihood is that they are being used to feed the dementors."

"Thank you, Severus," said Dumbledore, looking suddenly very tired. "I'll be contacting Order headquarters later and we can send someone to reconnoiter the situation."

Snape nodded with a scowl, then turned and stalked out of the room. Dumbledore looked after him "Harry, you must, of course, keep this information to yourself. It will do no good to start a rumor of this kind until it can be verified."

"Yes sir," said Harry.

"Now where were we?" said Dumbledore, more brightly. "Ahh...the spell for air. I am going to conjure a mist, Harry." He rose and moved into the middle of the room. "Please observe." Dumbledore whirled around, with his hands outstretched. A heavy fog appeared that completed covered the headmaster in a column that rose from floor to ceiling. It was so thick that Harry reached out to touch it. Dumbledore stepped out of the mist and waved it away. "Now you try, Harry."

"Should I spin around like that?" Harry asked.

"You may do as you like, but, with air, I find it helps."

Harry made a practice spin, feeling rather foolish. By now he had a good idea how to call up the right emotion to do these spells. He had found that thinking about how much his mother had loved him, and her willingness to die to protect him was the strongest loving moment in his life. He recalled it as he prepared to attempt the spell.

Harry took a deep breath and then closed his eyes, willing the mist to appear. He felt the sensation of electricity sliding down his arms and out his fingertips as he began to spin around. There was a loud CRACK that rent the air. Harry opened his eyes as Dumbledore shouted, "Excellent!"

The room was filled with a swirling mist, but looking up, Harry saw huge grey-black clouds from which tiny veins of lightening were flashing and thunder rumbling. "I believe we have found your element, Harry," said Dumbledore happily as Harry stood, mouth open, looking at the storm he had created.

Dumbledore waved Harry's miniature storm away and clapped Harry on the back, very satisfied. "You must be very careful with this power as you might be able to do some real damage. Please continue your practice on the other three elements, but do not try attempt to practice with air until our next meeting. I will need to devise a plan so I can help you gain control over it."

"Yes, sir," Harry said as he turned and left the office. He was still a bit dazed as he wandered back through the hallways. It was nearly nine, and Harry knew he should get back to Gryffindor Tower. He thought he'd duck behind the tapestry of The Mad Duke of Yorkshire in the third floor hall, and try contacting Remus with his mirror. He really wanted to tell someone about what he had just done.

The passage way behind this particular tapestry was not often used as it was rather dark and sometimes came out on the fifth floor and at other times, on the second. Harry reached the tapestry, a picture of a nobleman attempting to ride side saddle on the back of a pig, and pulled the hanging back.

To his surprise Ron and Hermione were just inside the passage, and jumped apart when he disturbed them. They both looked slightly disheveled and Hermione cleared her throat as she smoothed down her hair. Ron flushed but smiled broadly at Harry. "What are you two doing here," asked Harry in mock surprise.

"Oh, get off it," said Ron, laughing. Hermione tried to suppress a grin and looked away.

"What are you up to Harry?" Ron asked.

"Nothing...you two can resume....whatever you were doing," Harry said trying to keep a straight face. He could contact Remus later.

That night, Ron came into the dormitory humming softly. He began to change into his pajamas as Harry eyed him. "Still think Hermione wants to chuck you out?" asked Harry.

"No, I reckon she doesn't." said Ron with a twinge of pride. "First she told me I was a great git for thinking that my limp mattered to her. Then she said she thought I was brave. You know, girls are hard to understand." Ron climbed into bed and was soon asleep, a smile lingering on his face.

The next week brought unusually warm weather for February. Students stood outside in the sunshine between classes. On Wednesday morning, a school owl arrived at the table for Harry, during breakfast. It was carrying a message from Dumbledore saying that their weekly meeting would be held on Saturday afternoon, instead of that evening, and that he should come to Mac's classroom for his lesson. Harry tucked the note away in his bag. As he helped himself to eggs, he saw Ginny was going over a star chart for Astronomy class. Harry suddenly realized that tonight was the second full moon since they had arrived back from the holiday break. The first had come and gone before Harry realized it. Harry had wanted to sneak out of school and find the stone that Mac had told him about; the one where Grindelwald was encased. It was supposed to vibrate in the light of a full moon, and Harry knew that once the dragons finally arrived, there would be no way he could be outside and away from the castle after dark.

That night, Harry completed his homework in record time, and shoved his books into his bag. Hermione was studying madly for a potions test Snape was giving the next day. Ron was moody, probably due to Hermione paying more attention to stink sap, than to him, and had limped off to bed much earlier than normal. Harry climbed to the dormitory to see if Ron would go along, but he was lying on his bed with an angry look on his face.

"What's wrong Ron?" asked Harry.

Ron looked up at him. "By the end of the day, I can barely walk on it!" he exclaimed, cuffing the side of his leg. "I guess I thought it would be better by now," said Ron dejectedly.

"Didn't Madam Pomfrey say it would take awhile?" asked Harry.

Ron nodded, "Want to do some flying on Saturday?" he asked.

"Ok!" said Harry. Then he remembered he had to see Dumbledore on Saturday afternoon. "Let's do it early." Ron agreed. "Are you sure you don't want to come with me tonight?"

"I'd just slow you way down, mate. Maybe next time" said Ron, with a sigh.

Harry retrieved his invisibility cloak from his trunk and stuffed it under an extra sweater he had pulled on, and left the dormitory. The common room was emptying. He made one more try to get Hermione to come along. "The moon won't be full again for a month," he pleaded with Hermione, in a whisper. "I keep missing it."

"Sorry Harry I just can't," said Hermione apologetically. "I'd really love to come with you tonight, but maybe we can all go next full moon," she paused. "Why not ask Ginny to go?" Hermione nodded toward the far corner of the room where Ginny sat, curled in a chair, reading. Harry looked over at her, and felt a little twinge of embarrassment. Well, she didn't need to know about the dreams he was having. They were, after all, just going for a walk. Why not ask, he reasoned.

"Sure, I'll go," said Ginny, after Harry explained his plan to her.

"Better get an extra sweater or jacket, or something. It'll be cold," warned Harry. "I'll meet you in the hallway in five minutes.... And, Ginny, just so you know, we'll be breaking a load of school rules."

"I guessed that," she said with a grin. "Have you forgotten who my brothers are?"

He went out through the portrait hole with a wink to Hermione. In a few minutes the Fat Lady swung open and Ginny climbed out into the hall. Harry checked in both directions and then threw the invisibility cloak over them both, and they moved off quietly toward the entrance hall. For the second time Harry noted how easily, and silently they moved together.

Outside the lawn was frozen and crunchy in the cold, still air. Harry waited until they reached the far side of the castle, before throwing off the cloak. "We should be safe from here on," he explained. "I never see anyone going round this way, since it gets so steep." They began to climb the stony hill to the north, which Mac had pointed out to him.

As the initial exhilaration of sneaking out of the castle ebbed away, Harry began to realize that it was rather nice to be out under the stars with Ginny. They talked easily as they picked their way among the rocks. Ginny's face was animated when she talked, and her eyes shone in the moon light. It took about fifteen minutes to climb up to the shelf of rock where the tall briars stood. Harry had been laughing at a story Ginny was telling about Andrew Kirke and Professor Binns' class as they reached the rock ledge. Suddenly his laughter rang hollow, and he felt uneasy. The briar bushes seemed much taller close up. Harry circled around the outside of them with Ginny following behind. "I don't think we'll get through that," she said, skeptically.

Harry pulled out his wand and said "Lumos". In the deep shadows, where the moon shine didn't reach, he finally located a low entry point through the hedge. "I think I found the way in," he said, "the entrance." He reached behind him to take Ginny's hand, ducked low, and pull her through the opening behind him. Harry emerged inside the ring of thorns and his breath caught in his throat. Ginny stopped talking in mid-sentence as she came face-to-face with the stone.

The moon was shining hard and cold upon a large granite monolith. It stood as tall as Hagrid and about as broad. The ground within the ring of thorny bushes was covered in a dark springy moss, which felt strange and unnatural on the otherwise rocky ground. The stone itself made Harry feel very tense. It seemed, somehow, to radiate malevolence. Harry took a steadying breath, glancing over at Ginny. She was standing with her hands on her hips, looking up at the stone suspiciously. He wondered if she felt as strange as he did, still, he had come here to feel the vibration of the stone and he was determined to do it.

Harry edged forward and reached out a hand to touch it. Ginny placed her hand on the stone next to his. As Harry's hand made contact, he felt strong vibrations, but he also felt blackness fill his head and a terrible sense of vertigo, even though he was standing on firm, solid ground. Voices filled his head, shrieking and screaming. He staggered backward, his head spinning. He stumbled and fell, then crawled back through the briar entrance. Outside, he sunk down on a large rock, head in his hands, trying to stop the sickening, dizzy feeling.

He heard Ginny's voice calling after him through the pounding in his head. She was soon at his side. "What's wrong?" she asked in concern.

"What did you feel?" he asked quietly, as he tried to regain his equilibrium. "...when you touched it?"

"The stone felt as though it was sort of shivering, it felt very odd, as though it was alive." Then, with a worried expression on her face, she said, "You look terrible." She knelt on the ground in front of him and looked intently into his eyes. The wave of dizziness was passing, and Harry felt rather foolish that he couldn't even touch a magical stone, without nearly collapsing. Ginny put a cool hand on his forehead, and he suddenly became aware of how close she was to him. His dream came back to him, and he fought it down.

"It's all to do with Voldemort, isn't it?" asked Ginny in a whisper.

"I don't know...probably...everything I do seems to have something to do with Voldemort," said Harry bitterly.

"Harry, you've been through a lot. I think you're more sensitive to evil like this, than the average person." Ginny said. Harry rubbed his temples with his fingers.

"I have a confession," Ginny said gravely. She sunk back on her heels with her hands resting on his knees. "I overheard something late one night this last summer, at home, when my dad thought everyone was asleep. I should have said I was there, or left and not listened, but I didn't. I'm ashamed, really....Anyway, I heard Professor Dumbledore tell dad that because of the prophecy, from the Department of Mysteries, you would need help and protection. I didn't hear any more than that, but it was enough. Dumbledore knew the prophecy, didn't he? It wasn't just important to Voldemort, was it....." Ginny's voice fell away. Harry looked into Ginny's face. It showed the foreboding that he himself felt every time he thought about the fate the prophecy disclosed.

At that moment, Harry so wanted someone to understand, someone who didn't simply want to keep him safe long enough to be pushed, yet again, into the path of Voldemort. The words poured out in a torrent. He told her all the things he had kept from Hermione and Ron. Somehow he didn't fear telling her about the prophecy because he didn't think she would make him feel pitiable over his predicament. Ginny wasn't like that. She was practical and logical in a way that Ron and Hermione were not. Ron would always support him and Hermione would always come to his aid, but they would be horrified by this information and they wouldn't understand the way Ginny, who had felt the true power of Voldemort, would.

Ginny did not say a word as he poured out the terrible truth of the prophecy, of how he had to kill Voldemort some way; how it was his duty. When he finished, he felt wrung out as he watched Ginny's face, wearily. She was starring into his eyes and a single tear was rolling slowly down her cheek. She moved closer to Harry and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug, her cheek pressed against his chest. He enfolded her in his arms and they stayed that way for, what seemed forever.

Harry had never felt so close to any other human being in his life. No one, in his memory, had ever held him, and comforted him in this way. Without her having said a word, or asked a question, he felt that she had understood how he felt. That was a marvelous sensation. Even though he was still faced with the inevitability of Voldemort, right here and now there was a human being who understood him. A flood of warmth filled him up, as he considered the girl who was holding him. Then Harry had an awkward thought. Was she doing this as his friend, or as something more than that? He knew he had fair little experience in this area.

Harry gently took her arms and pushed her back so he could look into her face. He looked into her sad, deep eyes, and without another thought, he kissed her. He could feel Ginny respond, pulling him closer. A tingle of electricity surged through him and he vaguely thought how much better the reality was than the dream.

Ginny gazed up at him, inclined her head, smiling at him, as their lips met again. Harry was feeling a bit light-headed. He was holding Ginny Weasley. Ginny Weasley was kissing him. It seemed wildly exhilarating, and yet the most natural, most normal thing. It was like flying on his broom; effortless and thrilling all at once.

They simply sat holding each other, staring into each other eyes for a very long time. Faces very close. It didn't seem forced or strange, but as though they were telling each other how they felt without words.

Finally Ginny asked, "Have you told all this, about the prophecy, to Ron and Hermione?"

"No," said Harry. "I didn't want them worrying," said Harry stoically.

"Why did you tell me?" she asked.

"Voldemort possessed you, didn't he," Harry said. "It just felt like you'd understand what it means. People are so afraid of him but they really don't know what its like to have to fight against him, do they?"

Ginny shivered, and Harry hugged her tighter, "When Tom Riddle had me down in the Chamber of Secrets, I was lying there, and I knew I was going to die. I couldn't move or fight him any more. Then, you came and fought him, and rescued me. I never felt like I thanked you for that. Once it was over, my parents took me off to the hospital wing. Then afterwards, I was so embarrassed that you had to risk your life to save me from my own stupidity."

Harry was surprised by this confession. "I never thought you were stupid. Voldemort has tricked loads of people, me included. Look what happened last year. It's because of my stupidity that Sirius is dead."

"Harry, no! That was not your fault. You couldn't know it was trap. Dumbledore should have told you what was going on...it's not your fault!" she said vehemently.

"The Chamber of Secrets wasn't your fault....and as for rescuing you, I just got really lucky. I didn't know what I'd find in the Chamber of Secrets; we both could have been dead."

"Harry, it's not luck with you, it's instinct and talent, but you're so modest, you don't realize it," said Ginny. "You should hear Fred and George on the subject. They think you're going to be the next Dumbledore."

Harry wanted to change the subject. It always bothered him when people told him he was a great wizard. He didn't feel he deserved it. He stood, pulling Ginny up to her feet, and held her hands. In the distance, the lights of Hogwarts castle were gleaming through the darkness.

"I've liked you since the day we all met on the train platform, your first year. I began to think we'd never... be together," said Ginny, looking into his eyes.

Harry felt warmth spread through him. He felt his throat constrict. "Are you sure you want to be with someone like me?" he asked shakily. "Someone who has to commit murder... " He looked briefly toward the briar ring. "...or die in the attempt?"

"Harry, getting rid of Tom Riddle would be the bravest and most noble thing anyone could ever do, and I want to be with you, no matter what happens," said Ginny, fiercely. "I've known that for a long time now." Ginny kissed him on the cheek.

Harry felt that he could have flown back to the castle without a broomstick, he was that happy. As they picked their way back down through the rocks, Harry told Ginny about learning the Avada Kedavra curse and how it had resulted in the fight on Christmas night, when he had left Grimmauld Place. Mostly she listened, and asked a few questions, but did not chide Harry for what he had done. "You need to be able to defend yourself, don't you," she said matter-of-factly. "I think I would have done the same thing."

Outside the castle they threw the invisibility cloak over themselves and made their way silently to Gryffindor Tower, Ginny's arms around his waist. Harry wished they'd never reach the portrait hole, he was feeling as happy as he could ever remember feeling. Before giving the password, Harry turned and kissed Ginny one more time.

Harry waited in the common room the next morning to walk with Ginny to breakfast. By the time she came down, Ron and Hermione were coming down stairs as well. The four of them walked down to the Great Hall together. Harry kept looking over at Ginny and she kept glancing at him. He really wanted to take her hand, but thought better of it. Ron and Hermione would be unrelenting in wanting information, and he rather wanted to enjoy this new sensation without discussing it with them yet.

In Herbology, Harry cut his finger while trimming a plant that Professor Sprout had put down in front of him. He didn't even remember what kind of plant it was, as he day-dreamed about Ginny. In Care of Magical Creatures, he was almost bitten by a Crup. He was thinking back over last night, and was not paying attention when Hagrid told them never to pat Crup's on their heads.

By the time he reached the hall on the seventh floor where he had his potions lesson, he realized something was bothering him and he couldn't put his finger on what it was. His thoughts were disturbed as he was about to turn the corner, by the distinctive voices of Professor McGonagall and Professor MacNessa. "So how are Potter's lessons proceeding, Conner?" Harry heard McGonagall ask. He decided to hang back for a moment to hear the answer.

"He's a wonder, Minerva," replied Mac. "I can't make out why he had a problem getting decent marks from Snape. Oh, mind, he's not big on essays and such, but when he concentrates on the problem, he can do as well as any auror trainee, if not better. As we discussed, I think I can bring him along to the point of the test in a month or so. No real use in prolonging the process, do you think?"

"I'm pleased, to be sure," said McGonagall. "It solves the entire problem. Keep me posted." Harry heard the clicking of McGonagall's heels as she strode off down the hall.

Harry wondered exactly what they meant, but was pleased that Mac thought he was doing well. As Harry approached the door to the Room of Requirement, he noticed Mac staring after Professor McGonagall. "Quite a woman, Minerva," said Mac, almost to himself. "If I was about 30 years younger..." Harry looked around at him and Mac winked as he opened the door.

Harry was making Veritaserum today. It was one of the potions that had been difficult for him to brew. Mac was allowing him to use the Full Moon spell but would not allow him to charm the cauldron to remember the ingredients. Harry's mind was not on his work and twice he almost added the wrong ingredient. As his mind buzzed around the subject of Ginny Weasley, a thing that had been tickling the back of his brain finally came to him. The thought drained the color from his face and made him feel as though he had been punched hard in the stomach. He sank down on to his stool and totally ignored the smoking cauldron next to him.

"Harry!" said Mac sharply. "Veritaserum may not be all that interesting to make, but, boy, at least attend to the cauldron."

Harry jumped and checked the sludgy mess caked to the inside of his cauldron, then said, "Evanesco," vanishing the failed potion. He apologized to Mac who chuckled. "I praised you an hour ago and you go completely to pieces." Harry did not tell Mac the real reason he ruined his potion. He couldn't tell anyone why he ruined the potion. All he knew was he had to find Ginny, and quickly.

As soon as he was done with class, Harry went looking for her, but she was not in the common room so he ended up accompanying Ron to dinner. At last she came into the Great Hall looking so fresh and bright that Harry felt as though his heart had skipped a beat. She smiled and took a seat just across from Harry. He was apprehensive all through dinner and was not able to carry on any type of conversation. After dinner, he grabbed Ginny's arm as they were all climbing the stairs back to the common room. "Meet me in the Astronomy Tower, will you?" he said in a whisper, "There are no lessons there tonight." Ginny smiled slyly at him, and nodded.

Fifteen minutes later, Harry was pacing at the top of the Astronomy Tower his insides feeling as though he were full of snakes. The wind whipped at his robes as he waited. Soon the old wooden door creaked open and Ginny appeared. Harry watched her walk over to him, her red hair swirling around her face. She wrapped her arms around herself against the cold wind. Before he could stop himself, he put his arms around her and they kissed. Harry felt the same electricity that he had felt the night before and found it hard to break away. Words failed him, and he nearly forgot his original purpose.

Soon though, words did become necessary. Harry had something to say, and he hoped she would understand. His previous experience with girls did not give him hope of it, but somehow, the way she looked at him gave him courage. "Ginny," he began, but the wind drown out his words. He pulled her over to the stairway where there was a small sheltered space with a stone bench. They sat down.

"Ginny, I've told you what I have to do....trying to kill Voldemort, that is. There's a good chance he'll get me first. I can live with that. I've decided it's the right thing to do. It's the only way for me to get free of him, and have a chance at a normal life. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I think I do," said Ginny seriously.

"If Voldemort or his death-eaters think they can get to me through you, well...I couldn't bear it if they hurt you. I don't want to put you in danger."

He saw the faintest look of disappointment cross her face, then comprehension. "Harry, I understand what's worrying you, you're thinking of Sirius, and how Voldemort used your feelings for him to get to you." Harry nodded. "First, I'm not afraid, and I'll not have Voldemort control my life." Ginny's face was set and defiant. "After waiting all this time, I won't give you up, because of him... But you can't be worrying over this; you have enough to worry about." There was a pause as she looked out across the grounds. Then Ginny looked him squarely in the eye. "I propose we lie."

"What?"

"We'll just hide that we're together. We'll work it out somehow. No one but us needs to know, if you like."

"It's not what I'd like," said Harry softly, lacing his fingers into hers. "I want to scream it out... here at the top of the Astronomy Tower." But reason settled over him. He had to agree she had a point. Turning his back on her completely, until he finished his quest, or it finished him, did not seem a viable option, as she sat close to him, holding his hand.

"Harry," whispered Ginny, fiercely, "Let's promise each other not to let that filth decide how we go about our lives, no matter how long or short they may be."

Harry nodded, but couldn't think what to say. He pulled her close. This was so very different than how he had felt with Cho. This seemed so right, so perfect. If only Voldemort and the prophecy had never existed. He couldn't see himself wanting any other girl, still the realization seemed so sudden. When had this happened? Had it been like this for his parents?

Harry and Ginny made their way back to the common room together. Harry told her to go in and he would follow in five minutes so as not to give away their new secret. Harry now had a lot of secrets, and he was getting tired from the effort of keeping them all straight. Still, Ginny knew everything, and he would be able to talk to her. That was a great comfort.

On Friday night Dumbledore rose before dinner began and cleared his throat. There was almost immediate silence in the Great Hall. "I have an announcement to make of an interesting nature. The Ministry of Magic has determined that in order to provide for the protection of Hogwarts and also Hogsmeade, dragons will be posted at strategic locations surrounding the grounds. Sometime tomorrow, keepers from the Romanian dragon preserve will begin arriving here to set up appropriate locations to station six dragons." Dumbledore paused. "Extra muggle repelling charms are being set all around the areas where the dragons will be kept so as to avoid any tragic confrontations. The dragons are to be given a wide berth. Make sure that you respect the signs that will be posted. Dragons are extremely magical and clever, still they are known to breathe fire first, and ask questions later." He peered at the students over his half moon spectacles, with a faint smile.

"The Ministry feels that trips by students into Hogsmeade village can be re-instated once the dragons are on-site. I will be taking this idea under advisement. We can also expect a greater number of Ministry personnel in the area, and this will contribute to the increased security."

"Professor Hagrid has kindly volunteered to escort groups of students who would like to view the dragons at close range. If you wish to see a dragon, but are not enrolled in Care of Magical Creatures class, please sign up in the corridor for a special field trip. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to get close to the dragons unsupervised, for there is no guarantee you will survive the encounter." Harry looked over at Hagrid who was beaming from the front table.

Saturday morning was sunny and cold. Harry and Ron got up early, dressed warmly, and then grabbed their brooms before heading down to breakfast. Hagrid was fairly bouncing with excitement in the entrance hall. "Ron, Harry," he said when he spotted them. "Going for a little fly?" he asked.

"Thought we would," said Ron. "It won't bother the dragons, will it?"

"Oh, no!" said Hagrid. "Well...if it does, we'll come tell ya."

Harry and Ron looked at each other. Harry had tangled with a dragon, and had no desire to do so again. Just then Charlie Weasley came in through the front doors. "Hello, Hagrid," he said warmly, "Ready to go to work?"

"You bet, Charlie," said Hagrid. "Could hardly sleep last night. I'm that excited."

Charlie greeted Harry and patted Ron on the back. "How are you doing," he asked Ron quietly, 'How's that leg?" Ron immediately looked away. Harry thought he should change the subject to help Ron out.

How are those dragons, Charlie?" he asked.

"Oh, fine...They don't take being moved very well. Actually, I need to find Professor Dumbledore. I need to check a few things with him," said Charlie.

"He should be in the Great Hall," said Ron.

They all entered the hall and Harry and Ron took seats at the Gryffindor table. Charlie proceeded up to the teachers table where Harry saw the headmaster shake Charlie's hand, and offer him a seat.

"I got an owl from mum," said Ron as he poured pumpkin juice into their glasses. "She said Charlie will be staying for about a month to get the dragons settled."

"Where will he stay?" asked Harry, curiously.

"I guess they're staying in some kind of tents near where they have the dragons. Mum says someone needs to attend to the dragons at all times," Ron explained. Having seen the inside of a wizard 'tent' at the World Cup, Harry thought the dragon keepers would not be roughing it too much.

The day of flying did them good. Soaring over the Quidditch pitch cleared Harry's mind of the problems he had been fretting over. Seeing Ron flying instead of hobbling around the castle, made everything seem like old times. They stayed over the field, but rose up to height where they could see the dragon handlers putting a large Welsh Green into position near the front gates. Every now and then, a burst of flame would tell them that the dragon was not yet satisfied with its surroundings.

Harry got a Quaffle from the equipment room and they took turns playing Keeper and Chaser. By the time they came back to the castle for lunch, they were both rather wind burned but feeling very exhilarated. Harry was starving when they sat down, and immediately loaded up his plate. He and Ron attacked their lunch, laughing and talking. Ginny and Hermione came in as they were finishing up and sat down. "Looks as though you two had a good time," said Hermione, smiling at them.

"Great," said Ron, through a mouthful of stew.

"Next time, ask me too," said Ginny in mock disappointment. "I'd love to get up in the air for a bit. OWL's are getting really close and my brain is about ready to burst."

As they talked, Harry glanced up at Ginny, who was looking at him. They smiled at each other and looked quickly elsewhere. Then Harry remembered the time. He had to meet with Professor Dumbledore in a few minutes. He jumped up and concocted a quick excuse, "I have some work to do...on potions. Mac was going to help me. I'll see you later." Harry left the hall for Mac's classroom.

When he pushed open the classroom door, he saw Dumbledore and Mac standing near the door to Mac's office talking. "Come in Harry," said Dumbledore. "I noticed you and Ron out flying this morning. I sense that Ron needs to be able to put the events of the past few weeks behind him. I dare say flying is therapeutic."

"Yes sir," said Harry.

"And I'm hoping Charlie Weasley's presence will help Ron deal with this tragedy. I've given Charlie the password to Gryffindor Tower so he can visit from time to time." Then Dumbledore gestured toward Mac's office, "Shall we?"

Harry walked through into Mac's office. Dumbledore paused at the door and turned to Mac, "Conner, you know what to do. Please do not tell anyone who inquires, where we have gone," Mac nodded.

"Harry, floo powder," said Dumbledore. "Please go through to the workroom."

Harry took up some of the glittering powder, stepped into the fire and said "workroom". He was immediately spinning past grates and arrived in the room where he had been taught Apparition by MacNessa. Dumbledore arrived right behind him.

The headmaster led the way to a corner of the room that contained two chairs. He motioned Harry to sit and he settled himself in the other. "Harry," he said, "before we continue working on the Elemental spells. I need to talk to you about control. These spells require a positive union between yourself and the elemental power you are calling upon. Then, you must be careful not to become lost in the power, but to be in command of it." Dumbledore explained over the next half an hour, the many possibilities that these spells opened up. He also emphasized how important it was to be in the right frame of mind before trying them.

"After observing the storm you managed to conjure at our last meeting, I would like you to try something for me," Dumbledore said, rising from his seat. "Please stand and go to the center of the room, Harry." Harry obeyed, and stood in the center of the room. Dumbledore waved his wand and everything in the room disappeared right down to the paneling on the wall. The room's walls, floor and ceiling were now a grey-blue color. It gave Harry a momentary sensation of being suspended in space, and he fought the feeling that he was falling. Dumbledore came and stood behind him. With a voice only a bit above a whisper he told Harry to conjure his air spell, but once he had achieved the storm, to direct the lightening toward a corner of the room.

Harry was not at all sure how he would do this. He still wasn't sure how he had produced the storm in the first place, since he had not been allowed to try it a second time. Harry sighed, pocketed his wand, and prepared as he had done last time. He closed his eyes, concentrated, and spun around. He heard the CRACK of thunder again and opened his eyes. Lightening was crawling across the ceiling in intricate tendrils. Black stormy clouds were swirling over his head. Harry felt a great sense of exhilaration as he raised his hands toward it. He felt the electricity flowing through his arms and out his fingertips. He quickly threw his arms toward the corner of the room and a web of thin lightening struck the wall where he had pointed. It snapped like static from a rug.

Harry immediately sunk to the floor. He felt as though he had suddenly lost all his muscles. It was a completely strange feeling. He felt fine, but he couldn't make his arms or legs respond. Dumbledore leaned down and touched his shoulder, "Don't attempt to move...you'll recover in a moment."

Harry hoped the headmaster was right. He could see Dumbledore, waving his wand to extinguish the smoldering sparks that the lightening had caused. Then he came over and helped Harry to his feet. Harry realized he could stand. Dumbledore didn't speak, but waved his wand yet again and the room returned to normal. Then he helped Harry back to the chairs. Harry sank down in his trying to understand why he had collapsed.

"You will recover your ability to walk, and to use your arms in a few moments. This type of magic can temporarily short-circuit your system... to borrow a muggle term," he said, his eyes sparkling. "Harry, I feel we are on the right track, now."

"Do you think I can kill Voldemort with this spell?" asked Harry, still feeling limp.

"I am not sure if such a spell, alone, will do it Harry. If you were to meet Voldemort this minute, what you have just done would not be enough, and it would weaken you, making you a perfect target." Harry frowned in disappointment. "Still, I am impressed," said Dumbledore, winking at him. "We will pursue this further....but not today as this magic is very draining to the novice. Madam Pomfrey will not be happy if I put you in the hospital wing over too much practicing."

Harry's legs were wobbly, but he was rather pleased with himself for conjuring the storm. Still, he didn't know how he'd ever get good at it if he had to rest after every attempt. "Sir," he asked, "Will I be able to do that spell without getting so weak?"

Yes, I dare say you will, with practice. Do not be discouraged Harry, this magic is different from other types of spells you have learned. It will come in its own time."

"Does Professor MacNessa know what we're doing?" Harry asked.

"No," said Dumbledore, "I told him I wanted to work with you independently, and asked that he stand guard over the fireplace. Conner will not ask questions."

Harry fell silent. In a few minutes Harry could walk again and they used the floo to return to Mac's office.

"Conner," said Dumbledore as they passed into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, "Did anyone ask after us?"

"Snape demanded to know where you were, but I sent him away," smiled Mac.

"Harry, I trust you remember my instructions from our last lesson. They still apply."

"Yes sir," said Harry nodding. Mac glanced at him with a twinge of concern, but then went back to his work.

"Then I'll let you know when we will practice again," said Dumbledore.

As Harry left the classroom, he heard Dumbledore say, "Conner, would you be available to join me for dinner tonight? I fancy some kidney pie and I know how you love it..."

Sunday was spent lying around the common room playing wizard chess and exploding snap. Harry tried hard to avoid the broad smile that crept on to his face anytime his eyes met Ginny's, but otherwise Harry felt they had done a good job hiding their new relationship.

During dinner, Harry slipped Ginny a note that he had hidden in his pocket. Luckily, Hogwarts castle provided any number of places where two people could be alone. Ginny met Harry after dinner in the Room of Requirement. They sat and simply talked for an hour. Harry told Ginny all about the Elemental spell practice, and the things Dumbledore had said. "But it made you really weak?" Ginny asked.

"He says it will get better, with practice, but I can't practice too much, or on my own. He'll let me work on fire, water and earth, because I'm not good enough with those to hurt anything, I guess." Harry demonstrated what he could do with fire from a candle in the room. They debated how this magic worked for some time. Finally, Harry glanced at his watch. It was nearly nine. The time had really flown by.

"You go back, and I'll come in a few minutes."

Ginny laughed, "Ron and Hermione are bound to catch on if we don't get a bit more clever with our planning." Harry laughed as they got up, and both headed for the door. Ginny paused and turned to Harry. Pushing up the hair from his forehead, she kissed his scar. Then she left.

Harry's Transfiguration class the next day was a nightmare. Or at least it was like a scene from a very bad dream if you looked around the class. They were working on human transfiguration this year. McGonagall was having them turn themselves into ravens. The room was filled with students who had sprouted wings or beaks but hadn't managed to transfigure the rest of themselves. Neville, with his new wand was no longer the very worst in the class. In fact he was doing quite well, having managed wings, and a beak, plus a very feathery tail.

Malfoy had refused to turn himself into a bird. He seemed to think it was a stupid thing to try. Professor McGonagall completely lost her temper with him and took fifty points from Slytherin. Then she told him he was to demonstrate to the entire class how to transfigure himself into an animal of his choice at the next class. She told him if he failed, she would turn him into a large yellow canary and leave him that way. Malfoy left the room so furious, his face was purple. Ron could hardly contain his laughter.

At the end of class, McGonagall motioned for Harry to stay behind. Ron and Hermione said they would meet him in Herbology and Harry stood waiting as the class room emptied. "Have a seat Potter" she said, not looking up. Harry sat down in a front row desk. "How are your potions lessons coming?"

"Really good I think, Professor."

"Fine," she said. "Are you aware that Professor MacNessa feels you doing well enough so as to be nearly ready for a NEWT certification exam?"

"Ummm...no," said Harry slowly. "Mac, I mean Professor MacNessa didn't tell me about an exam."

"Well, of course there has to be a Ministry exam, Potter. It's up to me, as Deputy Headmistress, to organize tests that are given outside the normal schedule. I believe we will try to do it on March the twenty-third. I'll make sure you are excused from your other classes that day," she said while making a note in a large leather-bound notebook. She stacked some book neatly on her desk. "You have apparently impressed Professor MacNessa quite a bit," she said, looking up at him.

Mac had told him he was doing well, and he did feel much more relaxed without Snape hovering around. "Ok," said Harry. "What happens after the exam?"

"What do you mean?" she asked looking at him over her square spectacles.

"Well, I heard Professor Snape say he'd never allow me..." but Harry was interrupted by the sound of loud screams in the hall.

McGonagall jumped up and hurried out of the room drawing her wand. Harry gathered up his bag and followed her.

It was Peeves. He was sailing back and forth along the corridor and pelting the students with snowballs, and hurling icicles at the torches.

"Peeves!" yelled McGonagall over the melee of fleeing students. Peeves had just let loose of a large snowball and it hit McGonagall directly in the face. The poltergeist must have realized he was in real trouble and popped through the ceiling. He could be heard laughing wickedly on the floor above. McGonagall stormed off in the direction of the stairs, leaving Harry behind. He turned in the direction of the Gryffindor common room, but did not move.

Harry had not had a chance to finish his question. He guessed that if he passed this test, it meant he would be allowed back in Snape's NEWT class. He wondered if they'd let him stay with Mac if he deliberately failed. It might be worth doing poorly if that was to be the outcome. Harry would much rather work with Mac than with Snape, but he knew McGonagall had gone to a lot of trouble to have him tutored. He did not want to seem ungrateful, even if it meant he'd have to suffer under Snape's tutelage for the remainder of his time at Hogwarts.

Harry starred off in the direction McGonagall had gone. He did not hear her footsteps returning. Harry decided not to worry about it now. After all, March twenty-third was nearly a month away.