War and Passion

Chapter Seven
New Beginnings

Harry Potter laid in that blissful state of semiconsciousness. It was the only part of sleep that Harry ever enjoyed. He was awake enough to chase away the nightmares but asleep enough to block out the harsh realities of life. His eyes shut tighter in a futile attempt to remain unaware, yet the inevitable decent into full wakefulness finally overcame him. He was immediately aware of how weak he felt.

His eyes blinked open, and he took in the unnatural brightness of the room as the candlelight bounced off the starch white walls around him. He was in St. Mungo’s. It had to be bad if he ended up here. He groaned; he hated this fucking place.

“I think he’s waking up.” Harry turned towards the sound of the voice and his breath hitched.

Ginny was leaning over him. Her long copper hair hung like a veil around him, tickling his face and neck. He’d never seen anyone look so beautiful and so tired at the same time. She had a few stray tears running down her cheeks. He reached up and cupped her face with his palm, his thumb brushing away the tears. She broke into a brilliant smile, and he couldn’t help but smile back.

“You scared the hell out of us, Harry Potter,” she said as a few more tears ran down her face.

“Sorry about that,” he mumbled.

“Ginny, let the man breath.” Ginny straightened back up and stepped to the side as Ron came into view.

If Ginny looked tired, Ron looked that much worse. His eyes were sunken and dark. He hadn’t shaved in what looked like days.

“You look like shit,” Harry said to Ron as he tried to sit up.

Ron grinned, “I wouldn’t talk; you’re not about to make the cover of Witch’s Weekly any time soon.”

Harry reached a hand to his face and felt at least a few days hair growth. “How long have I been out?”

“Three days, you fuck.”

“Three days! What the hell’s wrong with me?” Harry exclaimed as he sat up fully.

“You mean aside from being daft?” Ron said as he crossed his huge arms over his chest.

“Oh, Ron, leave him alone. He just woke up. Someone should go notify the Medi-Wizards,” Hermione scolded.

“I’ll go,” Ginny said as she ran out of the room. Harry watched her go and stared at the door after she left. He knew he shouldn’t be quite so happy about her presence at the hospital, but he couldn’t help himself.

“So, what happened?” Harry said as he turned back to Ron and Hermione.

“You jumped in front of an exploding train, you git.” Ron ducked as Hermione went to hit the back of his head.

“It was pretty serious, Harry, you almost bled to death,” Hermione said as she sat in a chair next to his bed.

Harry didn’t feel any wounds. They must have healed them magically once he got here.

“Is that it?” Harry asked as he watched Ron’s jaw drop.

“IS THAT IT!!! Harry, you were a bloody fucking mess. You lost so much blood, you went into shock. We didn’t think you’d make it!” Ron threw up his hands in exasperation. “Is that it?! Jesus!!!”

“He hasn’t had much sleep,” Hermione whispered to him.

“So I’ve been out for three days because of blood loss?” Harry asked skeptically.

“No, you had pretty serious concussion, too. They were able to heal that of course, but still, your body went into shock,” Hermione explained calmly as Ron stood shaking his head.

“You almost died! If Hermione hadn’t stopped most of the bleeding on the scene, you would have!” Ron’s angry voice announced.

“So you saved both our asses?” Harry asked as he smiled at Hermione.

Harry’s statement was punctuated by the arrival of the Medi-Wizards. Hermione excused herself and joined Ginny in informing the others of Harry’s condition. The Doctors said basically the same thing as Hermione. They added that his top physical condition aided in his speedy recovery. Harry made a mental note to never complain about Sirius’ grueling workout sessions.

“Have you heard from Snuffles?” Harry questioned Ron, who had stayed in the room.

Ron broke into a huge smile, “We’ll talk later; it hasn’t been released, yet.”

“Well, Mr. Potter, it looks like you should be able to leave tomorrow. Do you want the hospital to make a statement to the press or would you rather have a member of your family make one?” The Medi-Wizard questioned casually as he put Harry’s chart back on the door.

“Press?” Harry choked.

Ron had been sitting at a small table reading the paper. At Harry’s horrified question he brought the paper over to him and dropped it on his lap. Harry looked at the headline and felt all the color drain from his face.



Harry Potter Near Death
World waits with baited breath for news on ‘Boy Who Lived!


“I don’t want to read this, do I?” Harry questioned Ron.

“Probably not, the media is having a bloody field day with the whole thing. It’s been all over the papers for days. Charlie’s already laid out four reporters who snuck up on him. Hermione and I have been here, so we haven’t gotten the brunt of it, but poor Mum has been buried in owls for all of us,” Ron said, totally exasperated.

“What’s keeping them away from the hospital?” Harry questioned in a weak voice.

“The Ministry posted a whole squad of Aurors to keep the hospital secure,” the doctor answered.

“They published pictures of the whole attack. I don’t know who took them, but when I found out, I’ll ring their neck. Mum almost had a heart attack when she saw one of me taking out those Death Eaters by the train.”

“You’re joking; they printed that?” Harry couldn’t be more horrified.

“Oh, you should see the ones they got of you! You look like a mad man. Not to mention Hermione, they’re making a huge deal over her,” Ron thundered.

“I can’t believe the Ministry let them get away with that,” Harry said as he tried to process everything.

“The Ministry is in way over their heads. It’s been a real scandal that the Aurors took so long to show up. Fifteen people were killed in the attack. The public is practically screaming for Fudge’s resignation. Especially since, ‘The Great Harry Potter’ decided to get himself blown up in the line of duty,” Ron ended sarcastically.

“Your quite the hero, Mr. Potter. Everyone will be so relieved to find out that you’re okay,” the Medi-Wizard said in awed voice.

Ron rolled his eyes as Harry’s head fell into his hands.

“Oh god, what a nightmare,” he mumbled as his head started to throb.

“So, about the statement to the press. . .” the Medi-Wizard continued, unaffected by Harry’s obvious distress.

Harry tried to imagine a member of his family making a statement to a pack of Wizard reporters and almost laughed. He didn’t think Uncle Vernon was up to the task.

“What happened to the Dursley’s?” Harry asked Ron, remembering that Uncle Vernon was supposed to be waiting for him on the other side of the barrier that lead to King’s Cross.

“They left the station after an hour of waiting. Dumbledore went to their house later that night and informed them of your condition. I don’t think they were overly concerned.” Ron looked at Harry apologetically.

“No, they wouldn’t be,” Harry muttered.

“Just let Bill make the statement. He’s pretty good at talking to the press. He’s been handling most of it since this all started,” Ron said as he put a hand on Harry’s shoulder.

“Fine.” Harry’s head dropped against the pillow in exhaustion.

“Very well,” the Medi-Wizard said in a disappointed voice. Harry had a feeling that the Doctor wanted to be the one to go in front of the reporters.

Harry turned to Ron after the man left and his mind filled with painful memories, “It’s happening again.”

“Only worse,” Ron conceded.

In the weeks that followed Harry’s and Ron’s kidnapping, the media had gone into a frenzy. Especially after one of the nurses at St. Mungo’s reported the torture they’d been subject to. Harry still resented Sirius for making him go to St. Mungo’s for a complete examination. Ron had similar feelings about it towards his Mum. Being tortured was not something you wanted the whole world to know about.

A few minutes later Hermione and Ginny returned followed by Mrs. Weasley and Charlie.

“We’re so glad to see you awake, we were all so worried about you. The others wanted to come of course, but we thought it was better to come in shifts,” Mrs. Weasley gushed as she smoothed out his sheets.

Harry was secretly glad the Weasleys had decided to come in shifts; the whole pack of them could be overwhelming in the best of times.

“How are you feeling, dear?” Mrs. Weasley leaned down and gave a tender hug that Harry returned awkwardly. He never really knew how to deal with her fussing.

“Okay, I guess.”

“Well, you’re coming to stay with us when you’re released. I don’t want to hear any protests. I’ve already arranged it with Dumbledore. We can’t have you going back to those terrible Muggles while you’re still recovering,” Mrs. Weasley said as she sat in a chair next to him.

“The Doctor’s say I should be back to normal in a couple of days,” Harry said tensely.

“Nonsense! You’re going to need your rest,” Mrs. Weasley exclaimed with a dismissive wave.

“Mum’s been worried sick over you,” Charlie laughed as he sat down next to Ginny on Harry’s other side. Ron and Hermione pulled up chairs next to Mrs. Weasley.

“What’s happening with Wormtail?” Harry asked Charlie.

“He admitted to everything, we didn’t even need to use truth serum on him, the spineless bastard.”

“Charlie!” Mrs. Weasley’s scolded.

“Anyway, you can imagine how shocked everyone was when they found out about Sirius’ innocence. They’re trying to figure out how to handle this publicly. The Ministry already looks bad. When the public finds out that an innocent man spent thirteen years in Azkaban, it’ll be a media nightmare. Especially since he’s your Godfather. Can you imagine how everyone is going to react when they find out Harry Potter is going off to live with the notorious Sirius Black?” Charlie chuckled.

“So how long 'til they announce his innocence?” Harry questioned. He didn’t really give a damn how much trouble it was going to cause the Ministry.

“A few more days. I think they’re planning on offering him a settlement. You know, for his pain and suffering?”

“How can they *ever* make up for everything Sirius has been through. It’s insulting to even try!” Harry said, appalled.

“Hey, if they want to give the man money, let him take it,” Ron joked.

“It’d better be a huge settlement,” Harry whispered under his breath.

“I think it will be,” Charlie smiled.

“Have you talked to him?” Harry asked.

“Professor Lupin and Dumbledore have been here a couple of times to check on you. They said Sirius is insane with worry over you. I don’t think he’s spent much time thinking about Wormtail,” Hermione answered.

“Poor Sirius, I know that he wants to be here. He cares about you so much,” Ginny said softly to Harry.

“Yeah, poor guy has a godson with a death wish,” Ron said tersely.

“Ron, don’t say such things!” Mrs. Weasley said sharply.

“Sorry Mum.”

“Ron, if he hadn’t stopped those Death Eaters, the whole station would have gone up. We’d all be dead, Harry included,” Charlie said seriously.

“So what happened with the Death Eaters?”

“Sixteen captured, and eighteen dead. The few that were left Disapparated after the explosion.” Charlie said quickly. Harry could tell he was used to reporting statistics like that often.

“I still can’t believe you four did that,” Mrs. Weasley said weakly.

“Mum, they did good. I was really impressed. I’d heard rumors at the department, but it was still surprising,” Charlie stated proudly.

“Yes, but you could have been killed,” Mrs. Weasley continued.

“True, but anyone can be killed. Innocent people are being murdered everyday by the Death Eaters. At least we can defend ourselves,” Charlie tried to reason.

“Do you know what it’s like to see a picture of your baby killing Death Eaters on the front page of the paper?” Mrs. Weasley said with a sorrowful look at Ron.

“Mum, please don’t do this again. They wanted to kill a whole train station full of children. You should be proud of Ron, he helped save hundred of lives,” Charlie said as he tried to comfort her.

“Okay, let’s not talk about this. We’re upsetting Harry,” Mrs. Weasley patted Harry’s arm as she tried to distract herself.

Ron gave a choked laugh and Charlie just shook his head.

“You’ll never escape her Mothering now, especially after what you did for Ginny,” Charlie laughed.

“And where were you two when he was rescuing YOUR sister?” Mrs. Weasley said sharply.

“Yeah, Harry, I was going to ask. How did you know Ginny was in trouble?” Ron questioned.

“I heard her,” Harry mumbled as he glanced at Ginny. Her cheeks had turned pink in embarrassment and she offered him a weak smile.

“Across the platform, in the middle of combat, with all that noise, you heard her?” Ron said incredulously.

“Yes, I heard her. Can we drop this?” Harry hissed at Ron.

“Well I’m glad you did. Who knows what would have happened if you didn’t,” Mrs. Weasley gushed as she smoothed out his sheets once more.

It was sometime later that everyone left. Harry had insisted that Ron, Hermione and Ginny go home and get some real sleep. He really wanted some time alone to think before he headed to the Burrow. It was strange that one day could change his life so drastically. Last week, Ginny wasn’t speaking to him and Sirius was on the run. Now that all changed. Harry was overjoyed about Sirius. He had written a letter to him that Ron promised to send off. It was Ginny that was posing a problem. As much as he’d hated her cold indifference, it had offered him a certain level of security. Now, with her sudden change of heart, he was back to where he started. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to resist her on a second go around. He’d just have to get himself the hell out of the Burrow as quickly as possible. He tried to steel himself against her, but, as he dropped off to sleep, images of her floated in his mind and for the first time in years, he slept peacefully.

Harry woke up early. Two years of waking up at five in the morning was a hard habit to break. He got out of bed and paced around the room for a while. His body still felt weaker than usual, but four days in bed was enough. He felt like the room was caving in on him. He couldn’t leave because he only had the bloody hospital robe to wear. He assumed that his clothes had been ripped to shreds in the explosion. He spent a few moments worrying over his dragon hide vest and pant casings, not to mention his weapons belt. Harry had all of that specially made for him. He was rather attached to them. He was fairly certain Ron held on to them. Ron worshiped his own weapons, he’d understand that Harry wouldn’t want to lose his.

By seven a Medi-Nurse arrived and forced a strength increasing potion down his throat. She’d scoffed at his being out of bed, then asked for an autograph. Harry couldn’t believe his ears. Bill had apparently made a statement to the press and he had twelve nurses visit him for various odd reasons before Ron and Hermione arrived at nine. He’d never been so glad.

“Did you bring my clothes?” Harry practically jumped on the two of them.

“Yes, calm down,” Ron laughed as he waved Harry off of him.

“Harry, should you be out of bed?”” Hermione questioned.

“I have to get out of this place. The nurses have been hounding me all morning.” Harry grabbed his bag of clothes and started rummaging through it.

“They’re probably just trying to get a peak at you in those hospital robes. You do have nice legs,” Hermione teased as she looked Harry up and down.

“Hermione!” Ron gasped in shock.

“Oh Ron, don’t worry, you have nice legs too,” she said as she patted his arm.

“When have you seen Ron’s legs?” Harry questioned slyly.

To his surprise both Ron and Hermione blushed.

“Never mind,” Hermione mumbled under breath.

“Well, Hermione, if you want to see more than my legs, stick around. I’m not shy and I gotta get out of here. I’m about to go mad in this room,” Harry said quickly as he pulled out his clothes.

“Goodbye, Hermione!” Ron practically shoved her out the door.

“So, she’s spunky this morning?” Harry questioned Ron after Hermione left.

“Yeah, I guess,” Ron mumbled.

“Did she go home last night?” Harry continued as he started to pull his clothes on.

“No, she’s staying at the Burrow for a couple of days.”

“I’m sure Josh loves that,” Harry said sarcastically.

“He dumped her,” Ron said with a quick smile.

“What?!” Harry gasped as his head poked through his shirt.

“Yeah, I think he’s scared of her or something. He sent her an owl last night. She was pretty upset.”

“Funny, she didn’t seem upset a few minutes ago.” Harry narrowed his eyes at Ron.

“I guess she feels better,” Ron shrugged.

“You shagged her, didn’t you?”

“No,” Ron said in a weak voice.

“Spare me, Ron. I know when you’re lying. I can’t believe you took advantage of her like that!” Harry was now fully dressed and stood in front of Ron accusingly.

“Please don’t moralize with me, Harry. You’re no saint.” Ron stood to his full height and crossed his arms over his chest.

“She’s your friend. One of your best friends. How could you do that?” Harry wasn’t about to back down just because Ron was trying to look intimidating.

“I’d never hurt her,” Ron said softly.

“You already have, or have you forgotten fifth year,” Harry hissed.

“Again, I’ll remind you, you’re no saint. You broke my sister’s heart.”

“Well, at least I don’t make the same mistakes twice.” Harry couldn’t believe Ron had brought up Ginny.

“Are you sure about that. . .?” Ron questioned with his own eyes narrowed.

“Stop trying to change the subject.”

“Look, Harry, Hermione is a big girl. You’re not her daddy, so back the fuck off!” Ron yelled as he stepped closer to Harry.

“I can’t believe you!” Harry yelled back.

“She came to me, okay? Hermione is not exactly a blushing virgin and she hasn’t been for a long fucking time. So you can stop worrying about her virtue and focus on your own fucked up love life,” Ron ranted his face getting redder by the minute.

Harry dropped down into the chair Ron vacated and tried to process what he just heard.

“Was Josh her first?” Harry mumbled as he put his head in his hands.

“No”

“Were you?” Harry said softly as he looked up at Ron.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but, yes I was. Then I fucked up. Now, I have a second chance and I’m not about to let you fuck it up,” Ron said fiercely.

“Do you love her?”

“Yes, I do.” Ron whispered as he fell into the seat beside Harry.

“You have a funny way of showing it,” Harry said with a small smile.

“I wouldn’t talk,” Ron smiled back.

“Good point.”

Ron and Harry deiced to make amends. It was an unspoken pact that the conversation in the hospital room would remain between the two of them. Harry had already found out way more then he ever wanted to know about Hermione’s sex life. He assumed she could handle it. Harry had a sneaking suspicion that there was a whole other side to Hermione that he didn’t know about. Once he got over the shock of it, he found it kind of funny. She was always full of surprises. If you got past the fact that Ron and Hermione were polar opposites, they’d be perfect for each other.

The hospital arranged for them to take the Floo Network back to the Burrow. Harry was relieved to get away. He was feeling much better and Mrs. Weasley’s cooking was always something to look forward too. All the Weasleys had been waiting for them on their arrival and they spent a day relaxing and forgetting about the nightmare outside the haven of the Burrow. They all agreed not to talk about the events at King’s Cross. Although, Ron showed him the letters that Mr. Weasley had stored in the shed before he blocked Owl Post with a repealing charm around the Burrow. There had to be thousands. Harry could easily understand why they blocked the post.

By the time night fell, Harry was thoroughly exhausted. He hadn’t done much all day, but his body was still trying to recover. He had purposely attempted to avoid Ginny all day. It was easier said than done. The Burrow wasn’t that big and Harry was naturally drawn to her. He had a feeling that Ginny was going through the same torrent of emotions he was. They said a few brief words to each other, but that was it.

As everyone filtered off to bed, Harry found that he couldn’t sleep. Which was strange considering how tired he was. So after laying in Ron’s empty room for an hour, he deiced to get up. Ron was off somewhere, presumably with Hermione, and Harry was bored. He wasn’t used to inactivity and it made him a little stir crazy.

Harry headed down the stairs to what he assumed was an empty living room and stopped dead when he saw the figure curled into an arm chair with a book in her lap.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Ginny questioned.

He couldn't help but stare. Her pale green nightgown was clinging to her. He could see the faint outline of her nipples underneath it. The darkness of the room mixed with the dim candle light made her pale skin glow. As his gaze traveled downwards he notice that her legs lay bare where her nightgown had ridden up. Her hair flowed around her, loose and wild. One eyebrow arched in amusement as she watched him look at her. He’d never met a woman who could be so innocent one second and so bloody seductive the next.

“Enjoying the view, Harry?” She whispered as she set her book on the ground, allowing a brief glance down her night gown.

“You know I am,” he ground out. She was doing it on purpose.

“And if I do?” She challenged as she flipped her hair behind her and leaned back against the chair.

“Ginny, don’t start this again,” he warned.

She stood up in front of him, her chin titled up to look into his eyes, “What would you do if I did?”

She watched Harry’s eyes narrow as he regarded her. Then in one quick motion he pulled her against him. One of his hands slid into her hair and his lips came crashing down on hers. She gasped in surprise and his tongue thrust into her mouth. Ginny would have lost her balance if Harry hadn’t had a firm hold of her. The fire that spiraled through her was unfathomable. It was a hundred times stronger than she remembered. She ran one hand through his hair, the other clinging to his muscular arm as she reveled in the feel of him. For a long while their lips met in hungry desire. Two years of pent up passion seemed to pour from both of them. In a moment of weakness, he slid a calloused hand to the curve of her back, pressing her hard against him. She moaned into his mouth when she felt his reaction to her. Harry took a shuddering breath and tore his lips from hers.

“Don’t play games, Ginny,” he breathed thickly against her ear, making her quiver with need.

“I. . .I wasn’t?” she gasped as she tried to get a hold of herself.

He stepped back, his green eyes burning into her with unfulfilled desire.

“Good, because the next time you start one, I’ll finish it.”

He turned and headed up the stairs without looking back.