MetaFic

Necessary Things

Ginny thought Friday would never end: the day and its classes dragged on forever. She was grateful for the Occlumency focus exercises; they were an immense help for calming her mind and allowing sleep to come. Before retiring that night she had her best robes ready and set her alarm even earlier than usual for Saturday morning. After her morning shower, she used the extra time to carefully brush out her hair. It was silky-smooth by the time she had finished, the copper and blonde highlights within the vivid red reflecting back the light from the lanterns in the shower room.

“Do you want to try a bit of make up?” Vivien asked as Ginny was dressing.

Ginny reluctantly replied, “I don’t think so, I don’t want to look like a clown, or even worse, a ‘painted lady’.” She shuddered at a memory of her mum screaming at Bill about improper socialising with painted ladies.

“Do you remember how Debby Malone looked when she went to Hogsmeade with that Hufflepuff boy?”

“Yeah… She looked really pretty. Wait, she was wearing make up? She didn’t look like she was wearing make up!”

“I think I can do that for you too. I’ve practiced a few times since I’ve come here,” Vivien told her eagerly.

Ginny was ready to say yes, having seen how the older girl looked for her date, except for one slight problem. “I’d really like to try it, but Mum is going with me today. She just stopped sending me Howlers. I don’t want to give her a new reason to start again.” Ginny hoped Vivien was not insulted by her refusal for help.

Vivien surprised Ginny, however, by offering to let her borrow a pair of hair clips instead. “My parents bought them as a Christmas gift. Look, they’re scarlet and gold, Gryffindor colours! I know they’ll look perfect with your hair.”

As Ginny moved her head from side to side in the mirror, Vivien gave her a pleased smile. “Mr. Black may be very handsome, but people will be looking at you all day.”

“One can only hope,” Ginny replied with a shy smile of her own.

Waiting with Ginny’s prefect minder was Hermione, sans books, which secretly pleased Ginny. They both accompanied her and Vivien to the Great Hall where they found Luna perched on the end of the Ravenclaw table. She wore her hair in a French braid today, lengths of blue and bronze coloured yarn woven through the plait. The braid was wrapped about the crown of her head to appear like a nest, and a dark fake bird - a raven, Ginny assumed - was seated atop everything.

Luna hesitantly approached the Gryffindors. “I think I saw the shadow of several Wrackspurts about the Ravenclaw table, and there is no rule for staying at your house table during breakfast. May I join you at yours today?” she asked.

Ginny noticed Luna was not looking directly at any of them as she spoke, a habit she began shortly after her mother died. Luna had once told Ginny that when she was nervous about something she preferred not to look at anyone: that way if anything bad occurred she could pretend it never happened. Ginny was deeply touched, despite this nervousness, that Luna would approach her.

Vivien smiled and took Luna’s hand, “We would love for you to join us.” She brought Luna to their table and sat her next to Ginny. “We’d like it if you went with us and Ginny to Professor McGonagall’s office after breakfast, too. If you want to that is.”

Luna focused on Ginny and then looked across the table at the other two girls. She slowly nodded and quietly told them, “Thank you for asking me. It is quite odd, but nice, to go somewhere with people who actually want to be my friends.”

Hermione looked uncomfortable, but Vivien replied, “Going somewhere with friends does make the trip nice, doesn’t it.”

Vivien peered about the nearly empty Hall and then leaned across the table towards Ginny. She blushed and whispered, “Can I ask you to get Mr. Black’s autograph? I mean only if you have the chance. I don’t want you to feel you have to or anything.”

Ginny leaned forward and whispered back, “This day will be a complete failure if I don’t bring all of you his signature.”

Hermione shook her head and replied, “Don’t do anything rash, Ginny. He is probably very busy and doesn’t have time to sign a silly scrap of parchment.” Vivien and Luna nodded in agreement.

“You know what?” Ginny asked with a smirk, “How about I bring him back to the Gryffindor common room to meet you all? You too, Luna! That would teach the Kates a lesson,” she finished with a giggle.

“Would he be allowed into your common room?” Luna asked. “The magic in this castle is very powerful.”

“Of course he would,” Hermione answered dismissively. “Sirius Black was in Gryffindor as a student.”

Luna cocked her head and stared at Hermione for a considerable period of time. Finally she said, “Stubby Boardman never went to Hogwarts.”

Hermione blinked and mouthed several unspoken words before she asked, bewildered, “Who is Stubby Boardman?”

“Everyone knows Sirius Black is an alias for Stubby Boardman,” Luna told her. “Otherwise he would never be able to go out in public. Daddy did a whole series of articles on Mr. Boardman three years ago. I can get the back issues for you, if you’d like. Ginny tells me you are a very accomplished reader.”

Hermione once again blinked and seemed at a loss for words. She looked at Ginny, eyes wide, obviously begging for some help in how to answer Luna’s comment. Ginny pursed her lips to keep from laughing at Hermione.

Finally, Hermione took a deep breath and stammered, “Uh… oh! Well… That’s all right, Luna. I’ll take your word for it. But, uh… thanks for, uh… offering to let me read those articles.”

“Isn’t that what friends are for?” replied Luna very seriously.

Despite this awkward moment the rest of the breakfast conversation went smoothly. Ginny thought she ought to be nervous but was actually in high spirits. She was leaving the castle for a few hours to spend time with Sirius and her… Oh, bother. She grimaced realising she would also spend those hours with her mum: the mum with whom she had not spoken since Christmas; the mum who had sent her a week of Howlers berating her for becoming a hooligan and disgracing her family. Ginny touched the key beneath her robes and frowned. She could do this; her mum could not get too angry with Professor McGonagall and Sirius there.

Vivien apparently noticed the change in her expression. She smiled slightly and told Ginny, “I don’t think Professor McGonagall is still mad at you. Besides, we’re all coming with you to her office.” The two other girls nodded their agreement.

It was all Ginny could do not to begin to cry. Among the things about Hogwarts she had always dreamed was having friends of her very own, not people who knew her through her brothers. In spite of her earlier troubles it looked like this dream was coming true.

Like a concerned mother hen, Hermione reminded the girls that while chatting was all very fine, they needed to be quick with their breakfasts: Ginny was supposed to be at Professor McGonagall’s office at 8:30 and was a few minutes’ walk from the Great Hall to the professor’s office. Once outside the Great Hall the older girl chivvied the others, including the fifth year prefect, up the staircase. Her actions reminded Ginny of why, despite Hermione’s close association with the Twins, she was still referred to as “Mini-McGonagall.”

In no time at all it seemed the five girls were in the hall outside the professor’s imposing door. Ginny remembered the last time she was in this office.

I know what to expect this time, I’m not in trouble now either. But Mum’s here now… She pressed the gold key to her chest once again and gave her friends a brief smile. Ginny swallowed, drew a deep breath, placed a nervous look on her face for her mum’s sake and knocked on the door.

Professor McGonagall’s no-nonsense voice immediately responded, “Enter.”

Bidding her friends farewell, Ginny opened the door. She stepped through the doorway and was immediately swept up into a tight hug by her mother.

“Mum!” Ginny squawked indignantly from the folds of her mum’s robes. She did not expect such a fervent welcome. Although relieved, she was also slightly embarrassed her friends saw her mum treat her like a little girl.

“Oh, Ginny! I am so thrilled that you have been awarded this honour.” Her mum looked past her shoulder as she closed the door. “Those are your friends? I see the Lovegood girl, but who are the others?”

“Well, the prefect, Sally, is actually my minder,” Ginny said with some embarrassment. “The taller one is Hermione Granger,” she added with more enthusiasm.

Her mum looked at her, confused. “Isn’t she Fred and George’s Muggle-born friend?”

“Yes, we’ve become friends, too. She’s been helping me catch up with some of my classes.”

Professor McGonagall interjected, “Your daughter can’t do much better than having Miss Granger as a study partner. That young lady is one of my best students.”

“Oh?” her mum replied uncertainly. “Well… good. Who was the other young lady?”

“That’s Vivien Cooper. We have been getting along very well since… Well, since the other week anyway,” Ginny blushed. “She let me borrow these clips for today,” Ginny added trying to sound upbeat.

“Cooper? I don’t think I know any Coopers, do I?”

“I don’t think so, Mum. She’s Muggle-born. Like Hermione!”

Her mum raised an eye brow at this. “Really?” she asked. “What is it with my younger children and Muggle-borns,” she continued with a trace of disapproval in her voice.

“She’s very nice, Mum,” Ginny answered defiantly, “unlike my Pure-blood room mates, I might add.”

“Oh, I’m sorry dear. I meant no disrespect to your little friend,” her mum said patronizingly.

“Yes. Well,” Professor McGonagall interrupted, “If it’s all right with you, Molly, Mr. Black asked the two of you to meet him in about fifteen minutes at the Leaky Cauldron. You may Floo from my office and return here when you have completed your errands.”

“Let me have a look at you then.” Her mum ordered. “We can’t be seen in Diagon Alley with Mr. Black looking like rag-a-muffins.” Ginny was brusquely held at arms length and thoroughly inspected. “Your hair looks very nice today, sweetie. I’ll make sure to Charm it so the Floo doesn't ruin your hard work.”

Ginny raised an eyebrow, noticing the narrow-brimmed hat her mum wore. “Is that hat new? You bought a new hat just for today?” she teased, and tried to hide her smirk as her mum’s cheeks turned pink.

“Well of course, dear,” her mum said defensively. “Now then, since we have a few minutes,” her mum began shifting into a lecturing tone, “Ginny, your father and I are deeply disappointed in you for showing so little respect to your professors. Even the twins have never done anything like that! You can not imagine the embarrassment your father and I felt when the Deputy Headmistress called and -”

“Thank you for your concern, Molly,” Professor McGonagall interrupted yet again. “Miss Weasley has had a number of discussions with the Headmaster and me regarding her… prank. We feel that she has begun to understand the reasons for her… acting out, as it were. She has been sincere in her remorse and has devoted her energies toward her classes, the results of which are obviously quite positive. The Headmaster and I concur that any lectures or punishment beyond those already awarded are be counter-productive at this point. I want you to have an enjoyable outing with your daughter; she has certainly worked hard to get this privilege.”

“Well, of course, Minerva,” her mum stammered. She gave Ginny a warning look, “I hope you mind your manners today. It isn’t everyday we get to meet someone like Mr. Black!”

“Yes, Mum,” Ginny answered contritely. “Mum? Do you think we should be going? We wouldn’t want to keep Mr. Black waiting, right?”

Her mum sucked in a breath, “Look at the time! Minerva, thank you for your hospitality; we should return shortly I suppose. Ginny, dear, what is it you plan to purchase?”

With a silencing glance at Ginny, Professor McGonagall said, “I believe Miss Weasley mentioned purchasing a wand as well as a new cauldron and scale set.”

“A wand?” Mum said in surprise. “What is wrong with the one you have? Did you damage it?” her mum asked accusingly. Ginny violently shook her head and pulled the wand from her pocket to show her mum. “Well then, you shouldn’t waste your money on something you don’t need. Your Great-Aunt’s wand has been in the Prewett family for five generations. It is a very good wand. Why would you want anything else?” she questioned intently.

“My hand hurts a bit when doing spells with this wand, Mum. Professor -”

“Well, you just aren’t doing them right,” scolded Mum.

“Molly, it was the Headmaster’s suggestion that a wand chosen by her would solve that problem. He has observed her practical exercises and saw nothing wrong with your daughter’s wand movements or incantations.”

“Really?” her mum answered, sounding surprised again. She gave Ginny a hard glance. “Well, if Professor Dumbledore thinks so, then it must be all right,” she continued as if the issue was no longer open for discussion. “Come along, Ginny, we must not be rude and keep Mr. Black waiting on us.”

Ginny entered the Floo first and stepped into the Leaky Cauldron, her mum following after a short pause. Ginny stood patiently as her mum fussed over her, removing any trace of soot and smoothing over her hair. Despite the aggravation, she decided not to rebel at this over-protectiveness. Her mum would have been on a real tear when the news of her detention first came home. Being a bit smothered was much better than most alternatives. Ginny wondered what she could do for her dad to make up for him suffering through all that.

“It was very nice for your roommate to lend you those hair clips. Be careful and don’t lose them, please. You look very nice, I’m glad you’re wearing nice robes.” Mum rattled on, clearly nervous about what would soon happen.

“Mum,” Ginny whined, “I’m not Ron, you know. I understand this is a big deal. I mean I think it’s a big deal, I never expected anything like this. I told Hermione, Vivien and Luna I’d try to get them Mr. Blacks’ autograph.”

“You will do no such thing young lady!” her mum hissed at her. “Don’t you dare pester that nice man. I’m certain he is quite busy and we should be grateful he’s taking this time to come with us.”

It took all of Ginny’s self control not to snort at the statement.

“Molly!” an exuberant voice called from across the pub. “It has been far too long since I last saw you!”

“Mr. Black?” her mum sputtered in total surprise. “I… I… it’s an honour to meet you.” She gave the man a slight curtsey.

“Tosh,” Sirius replied with a casual wave of his hand, “What is this ‘Mr. Black’ business?” He took her right hand and gave the back a brief kiss. “I only wish our last meeting had been as joyful as this one,” Sirius told her mum with a solicitous tone.

“Oh? Oh!” her mum's eyes widened and she gasped. “Yes, now I remember. You’ll have to forgive me. I don’t like to think of that day much,” her mum responded distantly.

Sirius looked at her mum kindly and said, “I am the one who should ask forgiveness, for reminding you of those dreadful times.” He grinned at Ginny, “I’m sure your brothers are watching this young lady with pride!”

Turning to Ginny he bowed then lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. Ginny flushed beet-red as he said “You must be Miss ah… Ginny Weasley. It is my pleasure to meet you. I insist you both call me Sirius, and ask the honour of addressing you as Ginny.”

Ginny responded with a shallow curtsey and noticed her mum’s approving look. “Of course you may. The honour and pleasure are mine… Sirius.” Not only did her mum blush with pride over this but Ginny swore she softly giggled.

What would she think about me being on a first name basis with Harry Potter? Ginny wondered.

Sirius looked at her mum and told her, “Molly, your daughter is as gracious as she is beautiful. You and Arthur must be proud of her!” He offered Mum his left arm and Ginny his right. “Shall we then? I wouldn’t want to keep two lovely ladies from their shopping,” he grinned.

Considering her Mum’s emotional state in Professor McGonagall’s office, Ginny thought Sirius was doing a wonderful job of chatting with her and putting her at ease. You can really turn on the charm, Sirius, she thought. She wondered if this was how he was at things like an International Confederation of Wizards’ feast. Sirius exuded that aura of confidence she remembered from a week ago. Ginny gave her head an internal shake. That was less than a fortnight ago? It seems like a whole different lifetime. Walking through Diagon Alley on his arm, Ginny noticed other witches pointing and gawking at Sirius and was unable to keep a broad smile off her face. She knew her mum remained blushing, too.

Sirius opened the door to Mr. Ollivander’s shop and allowed Ginny and her mum to enter first. A bell tinkled from deep in the back. The moment Sirius opened the door, Ginny felt a slight pulling sensation at the edge of her consciousness unlike anything she had felt before. It wasn’t frightening but… Ginny mentally shrugged; perhaps she would ask Remus about that later. Sirius glanced about the empty customer area and excused himself to bring out the wand maker.

Alone for the moment, Ginny tightly gripped her mum’s hand and whispered, “Thanks for coming with me, Mum. This means a lot. I know I disappointed you and Dad, but I’m going to make it up to you. Trust me!” She decided to tease her mum and broke into a smile, “Did you see his eyes! Is there a more handsome man on the face of the earth?” she giggled. “I saw you blushing, too.”

Her mum tutted, but her cheeks flushed again. She gave Ginny a quick hug, winked, and whispered, “Just don’t tell your dad.”

Sirius’ return with Mr. Ollivander pulled Ginny’s attention away from her mum.

“Mr. Ollivander,” Sirius said formally, “May I present Mrs. Molly Weasley, and her lovely daughter, Miss Ginny Weasley.”

The old wand maker stared at her mum. “Molly Prewett, cherry and dragon heart-string, ten inches. All is well with both your wand and you, I assume?”

Ginny had never seen her mum become so flustered in so short time. “Yes, yes sir. It performs quite well. As well as the day I got it here.”

Mr. Ollivander nodded. “Excellent. I am pleased to hear it.” He turned his pale wide eyes to Ginny. Staring back, she wondered if Luna was related to him.

“Now then, Miss Weasley, I understand you are here to purchase a wand.”

“Well, sir,” Ginny said weakly, “I have a wand already -”

“But you desire one that chose you? May I see the wand you currently use?”

Ginny drew her wand and presented it, handle first, to Mr. Ollivander. The strange man held it between his fingertips and carefully looked it over before grasping it by the handle. He ran a finger down its length in a manner Ginny could only describe as lovingly. He gave Ginny a penetrating stare and looked over the wand once more.

“So close,” he muttered. “Juniper and unicorn hair, ten inches,” he announced, “I imagine this wand responds sufficiently enough for you. It is a magnificent wand, magnificent,” he exclaimed quietly. “A Prewett Family heirloom?” he asked her mum, who nodded. “A worthy fate for such a piece of artistry. This is a Charboneaux, crafted by Marcel himself,” he added with awe. “See his mark inset at the end of the wand’s handle?” he said reverently. “Thank you, Mrs. Weasley, for allowing me the privilege of holding a work such as this. I am, quite frankly, humbled in its presence.”

Then Mr. Ollivander gave the wand to Sirius, paused, and turned to Ginny. “However, Miss Weasley, you are here to choose your wand so let us commence.”

A tape measure appeared out of nowhere and began taking all sorts of measurements about her body. Ginny had no idea why the distances from her nose to her left ear, or her right pinkie finger to her left shoulder were important but apparently they were. Next, she was subjected to a bewildering assortment of wands to hold and occasionally try. Those he let her hold felt the same as her Aunt’s wand, several gave a similar response in sparks, yet he took each one back. A couple of the wands selected he didn’t even remove from the box before returning them to the shelf.

“Perhaps we are just wasting your time, sir,” her mum hinted to Mr. Ollivander. “Ginny has a perfectly good wand to use.”

The old man looked at her mum and stared unblinkingly for several long moments. “There is always a match. I have yet to fail anyone,” was all he said as he turned back to the wall lined with boxes.

“Molly, I’ve got no where else to be but here,” Sirius told her mum calmly.

“But Mr. Bla… Sirius, this is taking so long.”

“Your daughter is not yet my most difficult client. Far from it,” Mr. Ollivander said with a glance toward Sirius.

“You know, Ginny, maybe you ought to just try calling it,” said Sirius jovially.

Her mum frowned, “How would you -”

She was cut off as Mr. Ollivander whipped about and faced Ginny. “Your eldest brother has that skill does he not?” he asked abruptly. “He was able to successfully pass it to you?”

Ginny stammered nervously, “I… He did… but I can’t… I mean I can, but I am only able to call my wand from a very short distance, sir. I don’t think I could call one as far as the wall to here.”

A weighty silence fell upon the shop as Mr. Ollivander became lost in thought. “But which one will answer?” he mused quietly.

After another moment of thought he said, “This is a most unusual proposition, Mr. Black. However, I confess I am curious as to what shall occur.” He looked at Ginny and told her, “Proceed.”

Ginny looked at her mum and gave her a wan smile. She closed her eyes and held out her right hand. She decided to concentrate on the pulling sensation she felt when she entered the shop. Her breath hitched slightly, the subtle feeling was still there. She gasped softly with understanding: a wand was calling her and she wanted to answer. Ginny allowed the feeling to wash over her and was dimly aware of saying “come to me” aloud as she mentally called back.

Ginny heard a sharp intake of breath from her mum as something warm and comfortable materialised in her palm. The wand, a bit shorter than her aunt’s, felt like an extension of her own hand.

“Most curious,” was all Mr. Ollivander said.

“Well?” Sirius prodded enthusiastically, “Give it a swish!”

Ginny traced the wand in an arc above her head and effortlessly showered the shop in vibrant red and gold sparks.

Mr. Ollivander was looking at Ginny as if he could see right though her. She wondered for a moment if the wand maker was a Legilimens.

“Most curious indeed,” Mr. Ollivander repeated. “Hazel and phoenix feather, nine inches. The phoenix who gave that feather only gave four in total.”

Sirius’ genial smile dissipated immediately. “Are you certain that it is one of the four?” he asked pointedly.

Mr. Ollivander replied, “Do you really need to ask that question of me? I will be watching, Miss Weasley, for I expect great things from you with this wand”

Sirius sounded embarrassed as he responded, “My apologies for sounding impertinent, but Professor Dumbledore must know of this immediately.”

“Why?” Ginny’s mum asked warily. “Is there something wrong with this wand? Mr. Ollivander just said… What has the Headmaster to do with her choice of this wand? Who owns the other three wands?”

“Not all the wands are taken, Molly,” replied Sirius slowly. “It’s just that Ginny’s wand core is from Fawkes, Professor Dumbledore’s phoenix. Informing him is just a… uh… a courtesy.”

“Oh… well… as long as it is nothing bad…” her mum trailed off, staring at Ginny’s wand.

Ginny looked at her wand, too. While she did not understand her mum’s disquiet, or Sirius’ abrupt question, she did understand that she felt complete holding this wand. As the sparks erupted from it, just a moment ago, she had almost laughed out loud. Compared to her aunt’s wand the action was effortless. Thinking back on her discussions with Remus over the past week she had an epiphany, that magic was a gift, it was supposed to be a joy to perform.

“Would you mind if Professor Dumbledore examined your aunt’s wand for awhile?” Sirius asked her mum carefully. “I know he’d be grateful for the chance to observe such craftsmanship.”

Still staring at Ginny’s wand, her mum absently nodded. “That’s fine,” was all she said.

“Mum, can we have this boxed up and get the cauldron and scales now?” Ginny pleaded. Her mum’s hesitancy worried her. There was nothing wrong with this wand, and there was no way in the world she would ever give it up. It was amazing and felt like a part of her.

“Of course sweetie,” her mum finally said. “We have to pay Mr. Ollivander for the wand before we leave, though.”

Ginny tried not to be upset at the patronizing attitude. Didn’t her mum know she was no longer some simple child? She shut her eyes and counted to five. “I sort of know that, Mum,” she finally said.

"How much do I owe you for this wand, sir?” Ginny politely asked Mr. Ollivander.

“Nine Galleons and five sickles, young lady,” the wand maker replied.

“Thank you for this beautiful wand, Mr. Ollivander,” Ginny said and turned towards the door.

“I’m not the one to thank,” he replied mysteriously.

“Okay!” Sirius said and clapped of his hands, “Where to next, Ginny?”

“Well, you don’t really need to waste your time with us -”

“Molly, please!” Sirius replied, offended, “This is not a waste of time; it is an investment in the future. Today might be the start of your daughter’s career leading to a high Ministry office, a professorship at Hogwarts, or a spot on a top Quidditch team. Never pass an opportunity to invest in the future. Now then, I believe you wanted to get some potions equipment?”

“I would like to get a new cauldron, a copper one.” Her mum sucked in a breath. “There’s enough money, Mum. The copper ones distribute the heat better and respond to changes in the fire quicker,” Ginny explained. “I need a new ingredients scale, too. The one I have is missing some of the counter-weights.”

“Are you sure, dear?” her mum fussed. “Copper is… it’s a bit expensive for a student, isn’t it? You should really be more frugal with your money, even if it is a windfall like this. And where would you hear about copper cauldrons? Surely not from that abysmal man the Headmaster has as his Potion’s Master.”

There is no way I can tell her I read that in the notes from one of Lily Potter’s Potion codices! “Oh, well… I came across it in an old Potions textbook in the library. I showed it to Sophie, one of my seventh-year prefects, and she agreed with it. She does really well in potions and she’s a prefect and all, so she should know, right? I want to do the very best I can in all my classes. I can hardly blame my equipment if I have the finest I can afford.”

“Oh, Ginny,” her mum swooped her into another embarrassing hug right in the middle of Diagon Alley.

“Mum! You’re going to muss my hair,” Ginny hissed at her. She had no clue what Sirius thought of this by-play. He merely wore the faintest of smirks as he watched her and her mum.

“Here you are, ladies,” Sirius said, leading the two Witches into the cauldron shop. “This actually works well, because we are back near the Leaky Cauldron.” There was a growing crowd noise behind them and Sirius grimaced as he glanced over his shoulder. “If you will excuse me for just a moment…” Sirius told Ginny’s mum and gently pushed them both into the shop.

Compared to their stay at Ollivander’s, they were in the cauldron shop but a moment. However, leaving the shop Ginny and her mum were immediately surrounded and jostled by a group of people.

“Are you Ginny Weasley? Are you the Gryffindor scholarship winner? How do you feel about coming here today? Who is that with you? How do you feel about this honour? What do you plan to do with this scholarship?” the people all shouted at once. Startled and frightened by the press of bodies, Ginny shied back against her mum.

“Who are you people?” her mum asked sternly. “What do you want?”

Sirius stepped in front of her and her mum with his arms out, getting the reporters’ attention and, Ginny noticed, subtly protecting her.

“What is it like spending time with Mr. Black? Is he as much a cad as all the papers say?” a heavily made-up Witch shouted from the back of the group.

“Of course he is, possibly even more so!” Sirius replied with a laugh and the crowd chuckled in return. Sirius stepped back between Ginny and her mum and put an arm about their shoulders.

Quietly he murmured to them both, “Sorry about this, I was spotted as we left Ollivander’s. I’d hoped we could avoid all this, being so close to the Leaky Cauldron and all. Just smile prettily and follow my lead.”

Without casting Sonorus Sirius’ voice still carried over the pack of reporters. “As you correctly surmised, the lovely lass on my left is Miss Ginny Weasley, this year’s Black Advancement in Scholastics Fund award winner for Gryffindor House. On my right is her charming mother, Molly Weasley. Next weekend I will be here with the other House winners, too. If you contact my Agent, he will provide packets with the particulars for the scholarships and the names of all this year’s winners. While we are rather busy today, we do have time for a few pictures.”

A multitude of flashes erupted as the photographers immediately took advantage of Sirius’ offer. A few poses were of Sirius and her mum, or Ginny and her mum, or all three together. The overwhelming majority, however, were of her and Sirius. She gave the cameras her best smile and hoped she wouldn’t appear too mental in any of the photographs. She was surprised once by Sirius kneeling next to her and whispering in her ear, “You’re doing fine, Ginny.”

Ginny blushed slightly as she glanced at Sirius and then smiled brightly as she turned back to the discharging flashes. She heard one photographer say, “That’s the winner!”

“Sirius Black! Rita Skeeter with an exclusive for the Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly,” called the heavily made-up witch who muscled her way through the crowd of reporters.

“Of course, Rita, words can not adequately describe how I feel about seeing you again,” replied Sirius, the condescension palpable in his voice.

Without missing a beat Rita asked, “How is the supposed Boy Who Lived? There are rumours that his title is no longer true. Would you care to comment about that?”

Sirius smile tightened as he replied, “The health of Harry Potter is not a topic for today. You seem so sure your sources are better than mine. If you choose to believe any rumour or innuendo then you already have your answer, don’t you?”

Rita gave a casual wave of her hand. “Honestly, Sirius! Innuendo, rumour and fact have a hierarchy all their own and even I know their differences. Since there are so few facts about the Boy Who Lived, innuendo and rumour are all we have to go on. You owe us something.”

“Rita, dahling,” Sirius replied with an overdramatic drawl, “Surely you know better than to rely on rumours. Why, just the other day I heard a rumour you’re on a first name basis with several Centaurs.” Ginny felt her mum’s hands cover her ears as some of the reporters snickered. “I warned the miscreants to cease the unnecessary slander, lest they incur my displeasure. But in answer to your last statement: I owe you nothing,” Sirius responded with the same tight smile.

“Stop being ridiculous, Black,” Rita parried. “The public is owed all knowledge about the fate of the Boy Who Lived.”

“You are not talking about a thing; you’re talking about a person. He has a name,” Sirius replied gravely, “and it’s Harry Potter.”

The Skeeter woman tsked. “Yes, yes… We know that, how about -”

“You are treading on dangerous ground, Miss Skeeter. Your persistence is not appreciated,” Sirius told her forcefully.

“You can’t just fob us off like that, Black,” she shot back. “We have a right to know all the details about the… this… the Potter boy.”

Sirius stared her down and coldly told her, “No. In this you are completely wrong. Not every detail of a person’s life belongs in the papers.” Sirius paused and then stared directly at the Skeeter woman, “I’m sure even you agree with me about that, Rita.”

Sirius’ voice once again projected down the Alley, “Again, for those who didn’t hear the first time, my Agent will have the particulars on the BASF and all this year’s winners. Please drop by his office for a press packet. Remember I’ll be here with the other winners next week! Now then, if you will excuse us, this charming young lady must return to her schooling.” He quickly ushered them into the pub and sealed the door.

With an apologetic sigh Sirius told Ginny’s mum, “I’ll take care of the remaining vultures. Please accept my apologies for their unwarranted intrusion and have a safe trip back to the school. Molly, it was a pleasure seeing you again.” He raised her hand to his lips. “I vow to cease being a stranger to some of my favourite cousins.”

Bringing Ginny’s hand to his lips he told her, “Ginny, I am charmed to have met you. I hope you continue to improve with your studies and call on me whenever you have a question.” She giggled as Sirius gave a surreptitious wink.

The moment her mum stepped into Professor McGonagall’s office she began a rant about ill-mannered reporters and impertinent questions. The professor appeared to think her mum was taking about the reporters’ behaviour toward Ginny. As her mum continued a harangue about their treatment of Mr. Black, Professor McGonagall gave Ginny a faint smile.

“If you wouldn’t mind waiting for a few minutes, Molly, I will take your daughter to the Headmaster’s office to complete today’s detention, and then we can catch up on some things. It has been a few years since Bill left, and I also want to hear about Charlie in Romania.”

Her mum swept Ginny up in a close hug and whispered in her ear, “You have grown so much; you made your father and me very proud of you today. Just… just promise me you will stay out of trouble for the rest of the year.” Ginny responded by nodding into her hug. Her mum gave her one more squeeze and then let her go.

On the way to the Headmaster’s office, Professor McGonagall told Ginny her cauldron and scales were being sent to her dorm room. “I assume,” she said, raising an eyebrow, “that you want to use your new wand as soon as possible?”

Ginny could not stop her grin, “Of course, Professor.”

Professor McGonagall ushered Ginny into the Headmaster’s office and then left. The professor looked up from his desk with a brief smile as Ginny waved and immediately Flooed to the Marauder Tower.

Only Remus was in the tower when Ginny arrived. He explained that Sirius was seeing to business on the Continent and Harry was with Auror Moody doing more of his flying training.

“When will he be back?” Ginny asked.

“Half past three, or thereabouts. He has a Defence class, too, before returning here and then Charms until dinner,” replied Remus.

“Oh,” Ginny said, disheartened. “I was hoping to spend some time with him trying out my new wand.”

“Since this is a special day, I think that can be arranged,” Remus replied with a sly grin.

“Really?” Ginny asked excitedly.

“Definitely,” Remus answered. “In the meantime let’s have a bite and then we’ll work on your Occlumency relaxation and concentration exercises.”

An hour later Ginny remained as frustrated as she had been the past several days. She told Remus about this, expecting some sympathy, but he merely told her to think about her distractions and then discard them.

“How do I do that?” Ginny spat. “I know you said this would be hard, but I never imagined it to be this hard!”

Calmly, Remus asked, “What is it about the exercise that gives you trouble? If we resolve that sticking point -”

“The whole thing gives me trouble!” Ginny interrupted in complete aggravation. “I mean I’m trying to focus on my hand on Mum’s clock at home, but then I start thinking about her or what position the other hands might be on, what she made for dinner, if Dad has a new Muggle thing to study and so forth. I can’t do this,” she growled, annoyed.

Remus smiled. “You are doing remarkably well to have narrowed on a focus area. While your focus does unwind, it remains on the topic of your family. What you need to do is to stop and examine each of these thoughts.”

“How can I do that and keep my focus? That doesn’t make sense, Remus,” an exasperated Ginny huffed.

“Think about doing the laundry,” he replied.

“A chore? That’s not something I care to concentrate on,” Ginny replied with another huff.

“Perhaps not, but how do you do the laundry?”

Ginny looked at Remus wondering if he had gone mental since their last meeting.

Remus sat watching her and then laughed. “Well, I know you’re pondering it.”

“You just do it,” Ginny snapped, “I mean how hard is it to do the laundry?”

“So you just toss all your clothes into the cauldron and set it to work?”

“Heavens, no!” said Ginny, appalled at Remus’ lack of knowledge about laundry. “You do that and you’ll ruin most of your clothes.”

“Really? Why?” queried Remus.

Ginny’ mind went blank. She honestly could not think of a single thing for a moment. “Why?” she eventually repeated with an incredulous tone. “Cottons must be washed differently than wools, some clothes require hot water, others cold. Whites need bleach or they get grungy after a while. Honestly! You don’t know this?”

“I do, Ginny. But what you’ve described sounds quite similar to your focus problem. Now let’s start again, how do you do the laundry?”

What? she thought in total confusion. “Well… Obviously you have to separate the various types of clothes, whites, colours, hot water, cold water, bleach, no bleach, and so forth.”

“And then what?” Remus prodded.

Ginny remained confused as to where this was leading. She shook her head in an attempt to clear it. “Then what? Are you serious? You wash the various loads.”

“Are you thinking about, say, a hot bleach load while preparing a cold load?” Remus asked.

“No. You have to pay attention to the load you’re working with. You’ll do the others in turn.”

“And how is that different than focusing your mind in an Occlumency exercise?”

“I dunno,” Ginny frowned. She had no clue why Remus thought doing the wash and finding a mental focus were the same. “They aren’t at all the same!” she protested.

Remus gently smiled at her. “It sounds like the same problem to me. You have to separate your thoughts. Concentrate on the idea you’ve chosen as your focus. Ignore anything else. It isn’t that the other thoughts aren’t important, just that you’ll get to them later. Just like doing the laundry. Any one load is not more or less important than the others. You’ll get to them, but not at this instant.”

Suddenly feeling very stupid, Ginny looked down into her lap and answered weakly, “I’m still not sure I understand.”

“What your mum cooked for dinner, how your dad is doing, whether it’s raining at home, these are no less important thoughts than what you’ve chosen as a focus. But you’ll set aside those concerns for now. The only thing you do tonight before sleep is concentrate on your focus idea.”

“That… that sounds really… uh… logical,” Ginny reluctantly told Remus, who smiled at her answer.

“Let’s try this then,” he told her patiently. “Laundry: one wash at a time. Mental focus: one thought at a time. Again, don’t be discouraged by stray thoughts. Sort them, like laundry, and return to your focus.”

Ginny closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. My hand on the clock. Concentrate! But then she began to wonder if the wash cauldron still went out of balance as it slowed its spin. Sometimes it made enough of a banging noise that the ghoul would bang on pipes in reply. Her eyes snapped open and she glared at Remus. “That didn’t help at all,” she growled, her annoyance returning.

Remus’ quiet chuckle did not help her mood.

Ginny sat back into the arm chair and continued to glare. Crossing her arms over her chest she sniffed petulantly, “When you said this would be hard I didn’t think you meant it.”

“Ginny, I don’t mean for you to try focusing on laundry, but that stray thoughts are normal and you just sort them for later.” Ginny still glared at Remus.

“All right, young lady,” he said with a clap of his hands, “let’s start again. Find your focus and ignore all else.”

“I’m never going to get this.” Ginny sighed an hour later, more in defeat than frustration.

“I think you are doing quite well. You always return to your focus despite random thoughts. Now then let’s take a break: how would you like to try some spells with your new wand?”

Hah, finally! Ginny thought. She eagerly called her wand from her robe pocket to her hand.

“Let’s attempt some old tried and true beginning spells,” Remus told her.

“What? Levitation, the match transfiguration, and the stinging hex again? I want to learn something new!” Ginny told him petulantly.

“You are familiar with these spells, try them now to feel the difference with this wand,” replied Remus.

Ginny pursed her lips as Remus placed a match on the table. She huffed angrily while concentrating on the match. Ginny gave a surprised squeak as the match changed on the second tap of her wand. She gaped at the thing that now lay upon the table.

Remus laughed as Ginny stuttered,” I… I didn’t mean to do… do that!” She had transfigured, and enlarged, the match into a vicious looking flechette.

“Patience, Ginny, all right,” Remus chuckled. “I just want to compare your performance with this wand. It takes a bit of practice to get control of a new wand, and magic is all about control. We’ll begin some new spells today, don’t worry. What sort of wand is that anyway?”

“Hazel with a phoenix feather core,” she replied, proudly.

“That could make for a strong combination,” Remus said approvingly.

“Yeah, that’s what Mr. Ollivander said. He also told me the wand’s core feather came from Professor Dumbledore’s phoenix.”

“Well, isn’t that interesting,” Remus responded with an oddly neutral tone. Ginny noticed he glanced at her wand as he said that. “All right then, let’s change this… needle… back to a match. Ready?”

It’s a match, a simple match, Ginny convinced herself. She visualised the match Remus had placed on the table and muttered “Finite.” She let a grateful breath as the flechette returned to its previous - innocuous - state.

Remus picked up the march and closely examined it. “Excellent,” he said, sounding very pleased. “How does your hand feel after this spell?”

“I didn’t feel anything. It's almost as if my wand and hand are the same.”

“Excellent,” Remus repeated. “Now, let’s try a bit of levitation.”

He disappeared into the study and returned holding an eagle-feather quill.

“That’s a, uh, a bit bigger than what Professor Flitwick uses,” she nervously told him.

Remus shook his head. “The mass of this quill is not substantially different than the owl feathers Professor Flitwick uses. I’m not going to have you attempt to levitate a piece of furniture. At least not yet!”

Ginny pointed her wand at the feather, said, “Wingardium Leviosa” and began to direct it about over the table.

Remus made a point of light appear before her. “Move the feather in a square about the light.” Ginny was pleased at how easily the feather responded to her directions. “Excellent. Good job!”

The point of light moved to a spot above her head. “Square the light again, please.”

Ginny lifted her wand point over her head, bringing the feather with it.

“Yes, yes. Good work,” Remus said approvingly.

“This really will take some getting used to,” replied Ginny as she lowered the feather to the table’s surface. “It is much easier to do than before, but in some ways it’s harder to control. I guess that sounds sort of odd, but I’m sure I can control my spells with practice.” A thought came to her. “Remus, I’d really like to try something,” she said eagerly.

“Of course, what is it?”

“I want to put my wand on that wall shelf,” she said. As soon as she did, Ginny skipped to the centre of the lounge. She looked across the room at her wand and smiled as it appeared in her hand. “That’s the farthest I’ve ever done that! I want to practice this some more.”

As she scampered excitedly back to the shelf Ginny was startled by the fireplace flashing to life. Auror Moody appeared out of the green flames and then immediately behind him a windswept and laughing Harry staggered out.

“Did you see that tern?” Harry said gleefully. “I think I made it crap itself after I rolled into the vertical from behind and slashed down in front of it!”

The old Auror chuckled and patted Harry’s shoulder. “That was well flown, young man.”

“Hey Remus,” Harry said as he looked into the lounge. His eyes grew large, “Ginny! You’re back!” he shouted with elation. “Oh! Is that it? Is that your new wand?” he asked excitedly.

Ginny let a small gasp at the smile that lit his face. He’s really happy to see me! Ginny thought as a thousand fantasies blossomed in her mind. She smiled brightly back at him, for once unconcerned by her blush that accompanied it.

“Remus, I’ve got a couple of spells I’d love to show Ginny. I promised her last time. Can I take her up to the gym level? Were you teaching her anything? Are you done now? Can we go?” Harry rattled off manically.

Remus nodded, but told Harry, “Put your broom away on your way up there, all right?”

“Of course,” Harry answered. “Come on Ginny, this will be so cool!” He reached out, grabbed her hand, and enthusiastically pulled her up the stairs. He led her up a level and opened a door. “Let me put my broom on its stand in the corner,” he told her.

Ginny watched him set the broom into an attachment on the wall, the bristles facing up. “Why are you putting it upside down?” Ginny asked, wondering why he did that.

“It keeps the bristles in alignment. I think it’s mental that people just stand them up like cleaning brooms. Think about it. If you’re going to use it to sweep the floor, the bristles belong facing down. But if you’re going to use it to sweep the sky, the bristles belong facing up!”

“That makes a lot of sense,” Ginny said slowly.

“Yeah, I know,” Harry nodded in agreement. “That’s something Maximus told me -”

“Who?” Ginny asked, confused

“Maximus Brankovitch. He’s the Seeker for the Finchburg Finches. He’s also the Seeker on the American National team. I’ve actually met him! Sirius and I go watch him play whenever we’re in Canada.”

“Oh, okay. Maybe Ron knows about him,” Ginny said, nonplussed. She took a moment to look about the room they had entered. It looked like a bedroom. “Is this your bedroom?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

Oooh, she thought expectantly. Ginny knew from experience in rummaging through her brother’s rooms that you could learn a lot about a person by looking about their bedroom.

Across the room from the door, along a curved wall to the right, two large windows flanked an equally large fireplace that threw comfortable warmth into the room. To the left along the straight wall were a desk and a large, full, bookshelf. Along the curved wall was a bed almost exactly like a Hogwarts bed, except it had no privacy drapes. Ginny wondered about that until she realised Harry was the only person in the room: if he wanted privacy he could just shut the door. The room was done in reds and golds and would not have been out of place in Gryffindor Tower. On the walls were a number of travel and art posters. Ginny assumed the travel ones were of countries Harry had visited. She knew she was right when one poster of an immense forest and rugged mountains had “Banff, Canada” scrolling across the picture’s top.

Harry took off his winter cloak and hung it on a peg next to the stairway door while she stood and stared about the room. There were a couple of non-moving posters, too. Obviously Muggle, she thought. Dad would love to see these. On one side of the bed were a series of open shelves. They appeared to have family pictures on them, except for the second shelf. The only thing it held was… her Valentine’s Day card to him. Ginny’s curiosity was replaced with a mixture of hot embarrassment and comforting pleasure.

“I just needed to use the loo and wash up,” Harry said, walking through a door at the far end of the flat wall. “Do you need to, ah, use it, too?”

Ginny looked about sharply, her attention so focused on the Valentine she had not noticed Harry slip into an adjoining room. She blinked and stared at the door-less archway. “No, thank you,” Ginny replied self-consciously. “Are these… are these pictures of your family?” she asked gently.

“Yeah,” Harry told her. “On this shelf,” he pointed to the shelf which would be level with a person lying on the bed, “are ones of my parents.” Ginny noted the undercurrent of pride in his voice.

The first thing Ginny noticed was they looked very young. A shiver of sadness ran though her as she realised they were only ten years older that her when they were murdered. She bent over and stared closely at the lower photos. These are different than anything I saw in books about the Potters. Oh Merlin, these are Harry’s own photos! She felt extremely humbled being allowed to see these pictures. And his mum was so pretty! His dad was sort of cute, but Harry has his mum’s eyes. She chanced a side look at Harry standing next to her. Oh, yeah! That hair with those eyes? Definitely much cuter than his dad.

Ginny’s musings were interrupted as Harry told her, “Sirius said this one was taken the day Dad proposed to Mum.” The couple in the picture were so obviously in love Ginny was sure even a Muggle photograph would have shown that. They stood with an elderly couple in front of an elegant manor house.

“Are those your grandparents?” Ginny asked quietly.

“Yeah. Sirius told me they died before Dad and Mum were married. It would be nice if I was ever able to visit that house.”

“When would you be able to? When you’re of age?” Ginny asked, curious.

“Oh… Yeah… I suppose I will… at least I hope I can, someday,” Harry replied with a blush.

Ginny frowned; Harry was obviously a worse liar than Ron. What was he hiding?

“Here are some more with Sirius and Remus. Pettigrew is also in some of these,” he added with a negligent wave. “I’ve got your card here, too. But I guess you noticed that.”

Ginny nodded, still embarrassed, but a slight smile of satisfaction played at the edge of her lips.

Staring about the room, one of the Muggle posters caught her attention. She had no idea what it was for, certainly not of another country. On one side was the painting of an orb and an odd flock of birds taking wing. The centre featured two people, Wizards she guessed, standing on a low dirt hill. One was a man wearing a white open-front Muggle shirt, holding what looked like a large wand over his head, casting some unknown spell that shone a brilliant white. The other was a Witch wearing scandalously-cut white robes and holding what looked like a Muggle weapon. The entire scene was set against the background of a black mask that made a Death Eater’s look tame. Ginny shuddered, wondering what sort of Darkness the couple were fighting. She had never heard any stories about a Dark Wizard who appeared that evil.

As Ginny stood, silently, trying to figure out the picture she realised Harry was watching her stare at the poster.

“The hero,” Harry told her with a grin and pointed at the white-clad Wizard. “He doesn’t get the girl though,” he shrugged pointing at the scantily-robed Witch. “Turns out she’s his sister. But at least he didn’t die at the end; that bit was great; I hope I don’t either,” Harry said blithely.

Ginny snapped her head toward Harry. Either what? Surely not die. Why does he think he has to die? He can’t die, I won’t let that happen! she swore to herself. Ginny’s face grew warm because Harry was still talking and she had missed most of what he said. She did catch the change in his voice as he finished.

“… and that’s why training is important.” Harry said those last words with an inflection she immediately understood. It was the same inflection she used while mentally chanting “I’m not Dark.”

Ginny eyed Harry carefully. “Training is important,” she softly echoed back to him. She was rewarded with a grim smile and a curt nod.

“Exactly. Training is important,” he repeated with a serious tone.

Hoping to change the suddenly glum atmosphere, Ginny asked, “Where did you get this poster? I’m certain it’s from a story I never heard. The people don’t move, is this Muggle?”

Harry smiled, “Yeah. It’s a poster from a Muggle movie. This movie began showing at the end of Mum and Dad’s sixth-year. Mum really liked it; she told Sirius she’d seen it a dozen times over the summer before her seventh year. It was still playing at the Christmas holidays and she took Dad to see it. He bought her this poster as a souvenir.”

“Come on,” he exclaimed after a short pause, “let’s give your new wand a try!”

She followed Harry up another floor to an open room that took up the entire level. Her first impression was some sort of torture chamber. There were strange devices and poles, hanging bags, grossly padded mittens, and drawings of people and weapons all around the room. In the middle were a series of blue floor mats. She stepped on one and it gave slightly, cushioning the pressure of her step.

“What is all this?” Ginny asked, uncertain if she would like the answer.

“It’s our gym,” Harry responded proudly. “This is where I do my physical training and learn duelling from Sirius. Right now Sirius is the one who uses the weight machine the most,” and Harry pointed to a scary looking contraption with an odd combination of black metal plates and wires and a shiny metal frame. “Next year I’ll be old enough to start using it, but for now I use the hand weights and do dips and stuff.”

“What are these blue things on the floor? They’re soft but they look too flat to be pillows,” Ginny asked curiously. Everything this room looked bizarre, yet useful, too.

“These are mats for tumbling and learning to fall. Can you do somersaults and cartwheels and the like?”

“Uh, sort of, I guess,” Ginny hesitantly responded.

“I’ll show you!” he said in reply.

Ginny watched him remove his robes, revealing a comfortable-looking jumper over a pair of denim trousers. Kicking off his shoes, he stood in stocking feet. She held her breath as he threw his body forward and into a tightly tucked ball. A moment later he had rolled three times down the padded floor and stood, grinning from ear to ear.

“It’s really fun! Do you want to try it? I can show you how,” he told her, encouragingly.

“Well,” Ginny temporized, “I’d need to put my hair up. And I’m sure doing that in a skirt is very un-lady-like,” she added nervously.

“Oh. I hadn’t thought of that,” Harry mused. “Hmm… How about I get you a pair of gym shorts?”

“Shorts? Short trousers? I’m not going to bare my legs at this time of year, are you mental?” Ginny huffed. You’d just laugh at my skinny legs anyway, she thought. Seeing disappointment on Harry’s face she hastily added, “Look, maybe next time, okay? I want to try my new wand and you promised to teach me some spells.”

“Okay, next time. I’ll have a pair of track pants for you to wear instead. But tumbling is important, I’ll show you. We also use this area to practice duels. Cast your stinging hex at me.”

“What!? Oh, I don’t know Harry,” Ginny worried her hands on her wand. “I don’t want to hurt you!”

“I doubt you will and I’ll show you why when you cast it. I’m not trying to be like Sirius last week. This is something I’ve learned, it would be great if you knew it, too.”

Ginny swallowed nervously. Oh Merlin! I can do this, just don’t push the spell. I can do this, I won’t hurt Harry. “All right,” Ginny said with determination, “show me.”

She kicked off her shoes and moved to one end of the padded floor while Harry moved to the opposite end. She took what she hoped looked like a duelling position. “Ready?” she asked hesitantly. After Harry’s nod she cast a weak spell at him.

Harry collapsed to the floor as Ginny watched, horrified. Oh no! And I promised Sirius, too, she panicked. However, Harry turned the collapse into a body roll and leapt to his feet calling an unfamiliar spell. Before she knew it Ginny was holding her sides and laughing helplessly from an intense tickling sensation.

“Finite,” Harry quickly called and the sensation stopped.

Still recovering from the tickling, Ginny gasped, “What was that?”

“The tickling spell. Its incantation is Rictusempra.”

“No, not that,” Ginny impatiently panted, “What did you do to make my spell miss?”

“I… I ducked,” Harry told her.

“You ducked?” she blurted out. “You ducked?” she repeated indignantly. “You can’t duck!”

“Why not?” Harry replied with a slight smirk.

Ginny stood and gaped at him. “What do you mean, why not?” she snapped. He cheated! she thought. She stomped her foot, “Because… because that’s cheating, that’s why not!”

Harry laughed at her, which did nothing to ease her fit of pique. “Dodging is not cheating; it is fighting, manoeuvring to gain the advantage. That is why tumbling is important, it teaches you how to fall and use your motion to right yourself and continue the fight. That is why I’d like to teach you some tumbling exercises. It’ll help, I swear it will.”

Ginny’s anger evaporated immediately. “You’ll teach me how to do that?”

“Not as well as Master MacClellan, but yeah, I can teach you the basics. Maybe Sirius will let you join some of my physical training lessons. Now then, let me teach you the Tickling Charm I used, and the Shield Charm.”

Ginny started as Harry and stood close behind her. Nervously she asked, “What are you doing?”

“I learned this from you; it’s what you did to teach me the dishwashing spells. I told Remus about it and how you made them so easy to learn. It’s positively brilliant!”

“Oh? Glad… glad to hear… um… hear that. That it helped that is,” she stumbled. That was smooth Weasley! It’s just Harry, breath in, breath out easy as pie, yeah?

It was so very hard not to hyperventilate when he reached around her and guided her arm through the motions necessary to perform the Tickling Charm. Ignoring her heart pounding in her chest, she focused her attention on what he was telling her.

“Don’t worry it’s not that hard a spell. When you’re ready, I’ll stand back and watch you cast it from here. Use the hanging bag over there as your target.”

Ginny closed her eyes and reviewed the wand motion in her mind. Opening her eyes she stared at the hanging bag and called out, “Rictusempra.”

Harry clapped and smiled. “That was really good! How did that feel? I didn’t see the flash of a mismatch, just the glow of the magic passing into your wand. How did that feel?”

“Good, actually. I mean my Aunt’s wand is nice, even Mr. Ollivander said so. But this one feels like it’s a part of me when I cast a spell. It feels easy, like I can cast anything and be comfortable.”

Harry nodded, “Yeah, that’s what it ought to feel like. So, do you want to practice the Tickling Charm a couple more times?”

“Sure,” Ginny answered. “And after that I want to try it in a duel!” she added, feeling daring.

Harry smirked and replied, “Okay, when you’re ready, let’s do it.”

Several minutes later Ginny had returned to her end of the padded floor. She watched Harry’s stance this time and tried to mimic it.

“Rictusempra!” she shouted as Harry yelled, “Tarantallegra!”

The spells collided and a bright, writhing, rope of light immediately formed and connected the two wands. Her wand began to vibrate and a cage of glowing gold bars surrounded them as the dulcet tones of a phoenix song began to fill the room.

Shocked, Ginny saw a knot in the centre of the light rope begin to move towards her, her wand now shaking violently. NO! she thought hysterically and mentally pushed the knot away from her. She watched as it slowed, stopped and began to move towards Harry. “No!” she screamed aloud and dropped her wand. She stared at it on the padded mat, her frightened breathing heavy and ragged.

At the same moment Harry snapped his wand to the ceiling and the cage and song faded to nothing. Harry looked about quickly and screamed, “Remus! Remus! Get up here quick! We need you!”

As Remus’ hurried footfalls pounded up the stirs, Ginny asked, frightened, “What was that? What was that? Do you know what happen?”

Harry didn’t answer. Pale and wide-eyed, he merely stared at her.

Remus burst into the gym, his wand at the ready. “Harry, what’s wrong? What happened?” he asked anxiously. “Was that a phoenix I heard?” he pointedly asked Harry.

Harry gave a weak shrug as a silent answer.

“I think it’s my fault,” Ginny told Remus, fretfully. “We cast spells at each other at the same time, and… and this glowing connection appeared between our wands.” She bent to pick up her wand and looked at it cautiously. A rush of fear coursed through her. “Harry, did… did… did you see anything from Tom to me?” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. I’m not Dark she began to chant repeatedly in her mind.

To her great shock, Remus laughed. “Trust me, Ginny. There is nothing about Voldemort that would cause a phoenix song.”

“Remus, what happened? We were just duelling, I taught Ginny the Tickling Charm and she was going to try it on me. I threw the Jelly-Legs Jinx at her at the same time and the wands sort of connected,” Harry said, confused.

Again, Remus pointedly asked Harry, “Did any spells appear from the wands while connected?

Harry shook his head.

“These are brother wands. Was there something like a knot in the connection between your wands?”

Harry’s eyes grew large, “Brother wands? You mean Ginny has one of Fawkes’ feathers, too?”

Ginny looked at Harry, stunned. “You are one of the four?” Is there a… do I share some magical connection with Harry? A childhood’s worth of dreams and fantasies burst forth in her mind. She quickly stopped them, now was not the time for daydreams.

Harry flashed that wry smile and told her, “That’s kinda cool, you know!”

Ginny remembered her mum’s worry and Sirius’ question from earlier in the day. She felt a spark of anger that, once again, the stupid little girl was being kept safe, that knowing was a bad thing. She turned to Remus and growled, “You knew, didn’t you! I thought you sounded funny when I told you what my core was. What’s going on, why are the feathers from Professor Dumbledore’s phoenix important?” Remus gave her a guilty look.

“Sirius said all the wands weren’t taken,” Ginny snapped, her voice reflecting her growing anger. “How many have been?” she asked.

Remus and Harry, his smile turned sheepish, shared a look and Harry gave a slight shrug. Remus rubbed his face with his hand and sighed. “Three of the wands have been chosen so far,” he told Ginny firmly. “The first wand… we don’t know what happened to its owner and the wand has disappeared. A second wand chose Harry and now a third has chosen you. Why? No one knows why wands choose a specific person. Beyond that I’m not sure what to tell you.”

“You didn’t tell me why the feathers from Professor Dumbledore’s phoenix are important,” Ginny pressed.

“Oh, well…” stumbled Remus, “Professor Dumbledore has had Fawkes a long time, even before he began teaching here. With his position as Headmaster, it is a courtesy to let him know a wand with a core from his familiar has been chosen.”

“Does Mr. Ollivander do that with all the wand cores he uses?” queried Ginny.

“No,” Remus said slowly. “Mr. Ollivander couldn’t possibly do that with all the wand cores he uses. Fawkes is different though because he gave so few feathers. Just the four you see. And with Dumbledore as Headmaster here, well, like I said it’s just a courtesy.”

They are still hiding something, she worried, but what? She had to find out, so despite her fear of something bad in the answer she asked, “Is it bad to duel with a wand that has a core from the same being?” Glancing at her wand and then Harry’s she haltingly added, “Does it mean anything that Harry and I have wand cores from the same phoenix?”

“I honestly don’t know what it means that your wands share a common core source. But it’s nothing bad, Ginny,” Remus replied.

Ginny searched Remus’ face as he said that; she felt reassured that he was telling the truth.

“I still think it’s cool,” Harry added.

“However,” Remus continued, “you and Harry won’t be able to simultaneously cast spells at each other. The cores will recognise each other and struggle over which wand controls the other. That knot you saw was the point of control.”

Ginny looked at Harry. He now wore an expression of dread that matched the feeling in her stomach.

Remus paused and took in the look that Ginny shared with Harry. “What happened with the knot?” he asked cautiously.

“Er…” Harry temporised, his cheeks flushing, “Well, I didn’t want it near me so I tried to push it away.”

“You were going to send that thing at me?” Ginny asked, her dread replaced by another swell of anger. “Well, I didn’t want it to touch me either! So, I pushed it away, back to the centre.” Ginny paused and grimaced, “That is when I dropped my wand, because… it started to shake and I didn’t know what was happening and I was… scared,” she finished in a very small voice.

“My wand shook too, so I pointed my wand to the ceiling at the same time, to stop the duel,” Harry added with a similar small voice.

“Huh. Very interesting,” Remus mused.

“Remus? What would have happened it the knot had touched either of our wands?” Ginny asked her sense of dread returning.

“I’m not completely sure. Brother wands are very rare, brother wands duelling is even more so. I think the wand touched by the knot submits to its brother.”

“Submits?” Harry asked, “You make it sound like it surrenders, or something.”

“It does surrender, Harry.”

“WHAT?” Ginny blurted.

While Remus led her and Harry back to the lounge floor he explained, “One wand would claim dominance over the other. The subservient wand is ineffectual in casting spells against its brother. Ginny, if you had forced the knot back on to Harry’s wand it would no longer fight against you.”

Ginny frowned, uncertain what Remus was implying. “How can a wand submit, or become subservient to another? You make wands sound alive or something.”

“Not alive,” Remus answered enigmatically, “But definitely in the ‘or something’ realm.” He looked lost in thought and then said, “Before I say anything more, I think a discussion with Professor Dumbledore is in order. Harry, I’d like you to leave your memory of the duel.”

“Your memory?” Ginny asked uncertainly, “Will that hurt you?”

Harry laughed, earning him a scowl from Ginny. Sobering a bit he told her, “No, it doesn’t hurt. Remus will draw out my memory and place it in a Pensieve. That is a magical object that allows someone to see what went on during the memory, without being a part of it. The scene can be viewed over and over again, to look for things we missed as we were doing things er…. at the time.”

Ginny looked at him, feeling very dubious about the whole thing.

“It doesn’t hurt, really! I use the Pensieve to review my training, to look at what I’m doing and how to do it better. We can look at the scene together, if that’s all right with you.”

The fireplace flared green and Sirius wearily stumbled into the lounge. He tossed his cloak haphazardly across the sofa and flopped ungracefully into the nearest arm chair. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back with a tired sigh. “Nimue’s sloppy -”

“Sirius!” Remus shouted, “Ginny’s right here! Why don’t you say hello,” he added with an overly cheerful tone.

Sirius’ head snapped up and he looked like he had been caught raiding the biscuit tin. “Ginny! Hi! Er… Did you have a good time this morning?” he said sounding nervous.

“Nice recovery, Padfoot. Was it a long day?” Remus smirked.

“Moony, remind me again why I thought going to that venture capital meeting in Vancouver yesterday was such a bright idea?” he sighed.

Remus merely chuckled in reply.

“Thank goodness I borrowed the Time-Turner as a backup. Honestly, Ginny, without it I’d have been late to meet you this morning. Fortunately you were very quick with your shopping -”

“I was?” Ginny asked, surprised he considered her wand selection quick.

“Oh, quite. And there was no winner to tie up this afternoon, so I didn’t need the Time-Turner again. Thankfully, too. As it was I barely followed the agenda at the Total board meeting.” Sirius closed his eyes again and let his head fell back. Massaging his temples he sighed, “So what the hell is for dinner anyway? Please tell me it’s not a vegetable quiche night.”

“There wasn’t a scholarship winner for this afternoon?” Ginny asked, curious as to what happened to one of the winners.

Sirius grimaced, “The Slytherin Head did not think the BASF a worthy distraction to his students.”

“Ever the bastard, isn’t he,” Remus remarked bitterly.

Opening both eyes Sirius gave Ginny a grave look. “Professor Snape was a Death Eater, one of the worst if you want my opinion. Toward the end of the Uprising, Dumbledore believed he had a change of heart. I disagreed then and I still do today. But that is neither here nor there. How was your experience today, Miss Weasley?” he finished, smiling.

Ginny set aside her shock at learning a former Death Eater was a professor at Hogwarts. She figured that was something to ask about later. In the meantime, Sirius was looking at her, obviously waiting for an answer. “It was very… unusual, actually. Are reporters always as rude as Rita Skeeter? I know my parents don’t think much of her. I mean honestly, where were her manners?

Sirius snorted a laugh. “Being a reporter and having manners are mutually exclusive; at least that’s been my experience.”

“Oh. But that’s still not right!” Ginny said indignantly.

This elicited another smile from Sirius. “Oddly enough, being handsome, rich, and famous does have some drawbacks. Dealing with those parasites on a daily basis is one of them.”

Ginny blushed and stammered in response, “Er… Well, that sort of makes this difficult to ask then.”

“What do you want to ask?” Sirius said gently.

Ginny wrung her hands, looked down at her feet, and plunged on. “Well, it’s just that I promised some of my friends I’d get your autograph. I mean if it’s a bother, especially after today, you don’t need to do that. They’ll understand.”

Sirius sat up, animated for the first time since he entered the tower. “Well Ginny, a promise is a promise. It’s important to keep them!”

“Oh, thank you! If you’d sign some bits of parchment -”

“Oh, you’ve done it now, Ginny,” chuckled Remus as he pushed Sirius’ cloak aside and sat on the sofa.

Harry sat next to him and snickered, “Gilderoy Black, at your service!”

Sirius ignored them. He drew his wand and waved it toward the stairs. A moment later a pile of photographs flew into his lap. “So, how many do you want?” he asked with a broad smile.

Harry laughed, “Told you!”

“You’d sign a picture!” Ginny replied in shock. “That’s even better…” Ginny trailed off, her mind now in overdrive. Obviously Vivien, Hermione, and Luna would want one. She doubted any of her brothers would care. Her mum? Definitely one for her, too. The Kates though… Would it hurt to be nice to them? she pondered. Helga’s advice came to mind. She had tried being nice to Hermione and Vivien and that had worked wonderfully. Perhaps…

“May I have six?” she asked hesitantly.

“Six?” Sirius asked in confusion.

“Well, if that’s all right. Did I ask for too many?” Ginny said, her face growing warm again.

From the sofa Harry and Remus both snorted. Ginny blushed all the more, but didn’t respond to them.

Sirius gave the two a glaring glance. “Silence in the peanut gallery!” he ordered. He faced Ginny and told her, “No, that’s not too many. I thought you might like more, that’s all. Six is more than all right, Ginny. To whom should I write the messages before I sign these?”

“Messages? You’d write them something, too?” she asked in shock once again.

“Of course! They’re your friends aren’t they? If they are special to you then they are important to me.”

“Well… uh…” Ginny hesitated nervously, “Mum would love one! And there’s my friends Vivien, Hermione and Luna; and then the Kates would each like one.”

“The Kates?” Harry frowned. “Didn’t you tell me they aren’t very nice to you?”

“Yeah, but it would be rude not to include them. They are my roommates.”

Sirius gave her a look of surprise that turned into pride. “You are one-in-a-million, Ginny, never doubt that! What about you though, you don’t want a signed picture of little old me?” he asked with a blatantly fake pout.

Ginny gasped and then giggled. “I forgot about me! Oh yes, please, I would love a photograph too.”

“So,” Sirius asked, suddenly business-like, “what are the Kates’ actual names?”

Ginny spelled out each name as Sirius wrote on the picture.

Sirius stopped writing and looked up at Ginny, “DeVaux? Is she related to St. Mungo’s Head Healer?”

“She’s his daughter,” Ginny replied. Sirius grimaced as he finished writing on the photograph. He handed two pictures to Ginny.

She took them and saw, Best Wishes, Sirius Black, written on each.

Sirius wrote on another picture and handed it to Ginny. “Do you want to send this to your mum, or do you want me to?”

Ginny saw that Sirius had written more than his name on the photograph for her mum.

Molly,
It was a total joy to spend the morning with you and your lovely daughter. I look forward to seeing you, and Arthur, again soon.
Humbly at your service,
Sirius

Despite her own familiarity with Sirius over the past few weeks, Ginny could not help but ask breathlessly, “Oh, Sirius, do you mean that?” She knew her mum would be over the moon with this picture.

Sirius looked at her and blinked. “Of course I do! You know what?” he mused, “Let me send this to your mum. That way I can include a request to call upon them when their schedules allow it.”

“There’s not much they’d think is more important than meeting you. They know you’re busy,” Ginny told him, still a bit breathless.

“Stuff and nonsense,” Sirius said with a negligent wave. “Your parents raised seven intelligent children. I would be thrilled to accomplish a tenth of what they have done with their lives.”

Ginny giggled and said, “Bring an appetite. Mum will go all out on a meal for you!”

Sirius chuckled and looked at Ginny attentively, “Now then, tell me a little bit about each of your friends.”

Ginny began to relate what she knew of her three friends. Harry appeared to be listening very closely while Sirius jotted some quick notes and asked an occasional question to clarify Ginny’s description. Sirius interrupted her as she talked about Luna.

“Lovegood? Is she a relation to the bloke who owns The Quibbler?” Ginny nodded and saw a mischievous grin appear on Sirius’ face.

He handed her each picture as he finished inscribing it. Ginny gaped in wonder at what he wrote to each of her friends from hearing her short descriptions.

Vivien,
I have heard much about your kindness and courage. You make me proud to say I belonged to the same House as you! I look forward to the day I meet you in person.
At your service,
Sirius

Hermione,
It takes a special bravery to best the Ravenclaws on their home ground – the classroom. I’m certain your courage and flair for the prank make you a force to be reckoned with at Hogwarts! I eagerly anticipate the day we meet.
At your service,
Sirius

Ginny looked up and smiled, “Hermione will really like this.” She looked at the last photograph Sirius handed to her.

Luna,
Thank you for believing in the real me when no one else does. Someday, when the public finally lets me be, I would appreciate the honour of accompanying you on an expedition to find a Crumple-Horned Snorkack.
All the best,
Stubby

Ginny burst out laughing when she read this. “You signed it ‘Stubby’? She’ll love you to death for that! Thank you so much for each of these, I know my friends will treasure them.”

Remus caught her attention and handed her a manila folder to hold the pictures. Turning back toward Sirius, Ginny she saw him writing furiously on one more picture. “Who’s that -”

Sirius smiled gently as he handed her one last photograph.

Ginny,
You are one of the most amazing people I have ever had the pleasure to know. You are brave, vivacious, intelligent and soon to be breaking hearts all over Britain, if I say so myself! Please accept my solemn pledge to be at your disposal: whenever you need help, send for me. I look forward to continuing our friendship.
Humbly at your service,
Sirius

Ginny stared wordlessly at the photograph and inscription for several long moments. She felt silly sniffling and quickly wiped her eyes. “Thank you, Sirius, that’s a really nice thing to write,” she told him softly.

Sirius merely smiled again. “Writing the truth is always easy, Ginny. Now then, since that’s out of the way, let’s have some dinner.”

After dinner Harry took Ginny back up to the gym. The rest of the evening he spent teaching her the Shield Charm and the Disarming Spell. Ginny had difficulty with Protego: she found the broad wand movement a bit tricky to accomplish correctly. She had to gather up her self-control once more as Harry stood right behind her, guiding her arm through the proper motion. In comparison, the Disarming Spell, Expelliarmus, was ridiculously easy. Furthermore, Harry found trying to disarm Ginny nigh-on impossible. The moment he pulled her wand away she called it right back to her hand. Ginny couldn’t help smiling as Harry proclaimed her ability as “wicked!”

In between casting spells at each other Harry asked Ginny to explain what it was like studying with a group of people. He was, once again, curious why she did not find the others a distraction.

Ginny pondered that before answering. “It’s like what we are doing here. I’m learning more by practicing the spell work with a partner. The same goes with study partners. They aren’t bothersome, they reinforce what you remember, and remember things you might have forgotten.”

Harry looked at her thoughtfully for a long time and then smiled. “Thanks, Ginny. I never thought of having others study with you as a good thing. I like how you explained it to me.”

Stepping into the Floo to return to Professor Dumbledore’s office, Ginny was sad once again that she had to leave Harry. Although she was tired from the long day, she was thrilled at having her own wand and very happy with her progress in learning new magic from him.

Waiting outside Professor Dumbledore’s gargoyle this evening was the Gryffindor Seeker, Geoffrey de Havilland. “I want to hear about your day, but before you begin, I thought you’d like to know Professor McGonagall has lifted your restriction of sitting with the prefects at meals and requiring an escort to and from meals. You’ll still need a prefect escort to go about the castle outside regular class hours though.”

Ginny gave him a quick hug of thanks, and he gave her a brotherly pat on the head in return. The prefects, other than Percy, were nice, but sitting with her friends was so much better. She told Geoffrey about her morning with Sirius Black and waxed enthusiastically about her new wand. Stepping through the portrait hole Ginny saw most of the House waiting to hear about her adventures and she gave them an expanded version of what she had told Geoffrey. After answering some questions she caught Hermione’s and Vivien’s eye and told them she had something for each of them later. She headed to her room, wanting to verify that her new cauldron and scales had arrived on her bed.

Entering her room, Ginny saw the Kates sitting on a bed and looking through the latest issue of Witch Weekly.

Clearing her throat, Ginny told them, “While in Diagon Alley today I asked Sir… Mr. Black for autographs. He signed some photos for me and I have one for each of you.” Both girls looked at her wearing expressions of shock.

“For us?” Rave-haired Kate asked, surprised. “We don’t even get along that well.”

“Why are you trying to suck up to us now? It won’t change how we feel about your… you.” Brunette Kate sneered.

Raven-haired Kate pursed her lips and gave the other Kate an annoyed glance. Ignoring the other Kate, she said “That was very kind. Thank you.”

Ginny handed each one a photo. “You’re my roommates,” she shrugged. “We don’t always get along, but it would be rude to ignore you over something like this.” She left with both Kates mesmerised as Photo Sirius winked and smirked at them.

Ginny returned to the common room and sought out Hermione and Vivien. After a scene of hugs, squeals and giggles, they sat and she drew two more photographs from the folder she held. Hermione responded with an excited gasp and Vivien gave a loud nervous giggle. This, and the previous commotion, brought the Twins and Neville over to see the cause. Ginny caught them roll their eyes over the pictures, but they “oohed” and “aahed” suitably enough to please the two blushing girls.

“I also gave pictures to the Kates,” Ginny told them, “But he only signed his name instead of writing something to them. I hope they don’t think I tried to snub them. At least Raven-haired Kate seemed grateful,” Ginny shrugged.

“Let me think…” Hermione told her.

After she said ‘think’, the Twins grabbed Neville and told the girls, “That’s our cue to leave!”

Hermione squinted and stuck her tongue out at them, “Fine! I think better when it’s quiet anyway.” Her eyes suddenly shot wide and she ran toward the girl’s dorm room stairs. “I have an idea, but I’ve got to get a book to be sure,” she called out.

Moments later Ginny heard Hermione’s feet pounding back down the stairs. She frantically flipped a book’s pages and muttered, “I’m sure I can find it in here.”

Vivien gave Ginny a questioning look that Ginny merely returned. She had no idea what Hermione was doing, except her brothers once said that if a fact was in a book, Hermione would find it.

“Yes,” Hermione hissed triumphantly. Pointing her wand at her copy of the photograph she said “Velieris stilus ex Catherine quod Kathryn.”

“What did you just do?” Vivien asked, confused. “I don’t think it worked, because nothing changed.”

Proudly, Hermione told her, “I have just hid the inscription on my picture from the Kates! They will only see that Mr. Black signed it, just like theirs.”

Ginny looked at Hermione and dubiously asked, “And you’re certain the spell worked?”

Hermione tutted, “Of course!” and promptly cast the same spell on Vivien’s copy of the picture.

“What about you?” Vivien said to Ginny. “Did you ask for a picture too?”

“Actually, I didn’t,” Ginny admitted. “Sirius just started writing on one and gave it to me.”

“Sirius?” squealed Vivien in excitement. “He actually let you call him Sirius?”

Ginny grinned and nodded as she brought out her picture. She watched them read what Sirius wrote, look at each other wide-eyed, and then re-read the inscription.

“Does he really mean that?” Hermione asked in shock.

“What? That I’ll be breaking boy’s hearts all over Britain? I hope so!” Ginny replied with a giggle.

“No, not that. When he wrote that he’d be at your disposal at any time. He really means that doesn’t he,” Hermione continued, astonished.

Ginny could not help but smile broadly as she nodded.

“That’s… that’s…” Uncharacteristically, Hermione was at a loss for words twice in one day.

“Wow?” suggested Vivien.

Hermione stared at Vivien and then nodded very slowly. She took her wand and cast the shielding spell on Ginny’s picture.

“I’ve got one for Luna, too. Do you think her picture needs that spell?”

“I doubt it,” Hermione said, “When would the Kates be in the Ravenclaw rooms to see it?”

“Oh, Ginny! I can’t believe we got so distracted. Did you get a new wand?” Vivien asked expectantly.

Grinning ear-to-ear, Ginny drew her wand and showed it to her friends. “Mr. Ollivander said it’s hazel with a phoenix feather core,” she told them proudly. “It feels like it’s a part of my hand, an extension of me.”

“And your aunt’s wand didn’t feel like that?” Hermione asked. Ginny merely shook her head.

“Well, I can’t wait to see how you do in class now,” Vivien said encouragingly. “The rest of the year ought to be fun! Now come on, you’ve had a long day and we have studying to do tomorrow. Let’s head upstairs.”

Later, sitting on her bed with the curtains drawn, Ginny placed Sirius' picture on her headboard with a removable sticking charm. She smiled over the fact that the Kates already had their pictures in frames. Her smile faded as she reached under her pillow and brought out the Helga diary. Opening it she wrote “Ginevra l’Oro” and waited for Helga’s response.

Ginny, do you have your new wand?

Yes! It is wonderful! It feels so good in my hand, like it is a part of me. Is that how they are supposed to feel?

Very much so. How was the rest of your day?

It was very strange to be somewhere and pretend I had only just met Sirius. He really charmed Mum. I don’t think she will be sending me any more Howlers. Thank Merlin!

I doubt Merlin had anything to do with that, my dear. Have you tried your wand yet?

Yes! When I got back I tried some things with Remus. He was teaching me more about Occlumency, and it is SO hard. I don’t think I’ll ever get it – he must think I’m a dunce or something.

Surely he did not tell you that!

No, of course not. He’s actually very patient. It’s just - Ginny thought hard for the right description - so frustrating. But Harry came and he taught some new spells. The first is a tickling charm. I thought I was going to pass out I was laughing so hard.

Rictusempra?

Ginny gasped. How did you know?

I did not wander in from the valley yesterday, you know. So you spent more time with Harry today also?

He came back to the tower a couple of hours after I did. Oh! I got to see his bedroom today!

There was a pause before Helga’s response appeared. Excuse me! I certainly hope you were properly chaperoned. A girl your age certainly does not need those types of rumours getting out.

Chaperone? Why would I need one? And what do you mean “those types of rumours”? All he did was show me his desk and bed -

Ginevra Molly Weasley!! You were in his bedchambers without a chaperone?! Where was your sense of decorum?

Ginny looked at the page in confusion. Helga sounded more like her mum than a friend. What did she write that so upset Helga? Reading over the last several sentences, Ginny felt her cheeks grow hot. She was very glad no one could see her at that moment.

Helga! NO! I wouldn’t, I mean I’m too young for that sort of stuff! Besides, Harry wouldn’t have thought of anything like that. Despite some earlier mistakes he is always a perfect gentleman. Actually - Ginny frowned - I doubt he even knows I’m a girl.

Perhaps not now, but you will both grow fast.

Ginny looked at that line and sighed. This was something she definitely wanted to write about to Helga. Ginny took a deep breath and let it out. She could not allow her emotions to get away from her earlier, but now with only Helga she fought to blink back the tears welling up in her eyes.

I’m not so sure about that. Helga, he showed me a poster, sort of a painting, from a Muggle story about a young man who fought a really Dark Wizard. This Wizard wore a black mask that was the most frightening thing I have ever seen. That wasn’t what scared me though. It’s what he, Harry, said. He said the hero of the story didn’t die from fighting the Dark Wizard and he, Harry, hoped he wouldn’t either. What did he mean by that?

I do not know. What you have described is a story unfamiliar to me.

An ice cold feeling gripped her heart and she worked to steady her hand as she began to write again.

Professor Dumbledore told me Voldemort is still alive. What if Harry has to fight him again? But Tom grew up to be Voldemort. I have not written to Tom since I found out about Harry a couple of weeks ago. But Remus wants me to write to Tom again soon. What if something happens while I’m doing that? What if Tom uses me to hurt Harry?

Ginny, dear, calm down. Tom does not know about Harry. He cannot because of the Charm the Headmaster used on you.

I don’t know if that works with a diary, though. I can tell you about it!

That is because I am only an extension of your thoughts.

So was Tom! Oh, Helga, what if Harry has to fight Tom and it’s my fault! Tom will try to kill him, I know it! I would rather die than hurt Harry. He is only a year older than me. He can’t die, he is too young! Oh Helga! He showed me pictures of his parents. They’re by his night stand. These aren’t ones in the books, they are his pictures. His parents were so young when You-Know-Who killed them. They were only ten years older than I am now.

He was just talking about a story, right? Sometimes boys get carried away with their dreams. He was most probably talking about something completely separate from Voldemort. I would not worry much over his comment. Since you were in his room, alone unfortunately, what else did you discover about him?

Well, there was, I mean right above the shelf with his Mum’s and Dad’s pictures was my Valentine card to him. It was all by itself. I tried very hard not to get embarrassed.

Ginny! You never told me you left him a lover’s card! It is highly improper to leave the impression that your favours are for offer.

Favours? It’s NOT a lover’s card! We give these cards to friends, too, you know.

Ginny was horrified by Helga’s implication. Harry certainly did not think of her like that. Not that she could tell anyway. And she certainly would never dare to think… Well, she did dare the fantasy he would hold her and kiss her on the lips; maybe, someday… Reaching for the key beneath her nightshirt, Ginny sighed softly remembering Harry standing so close as he placed that key over her head, and the warmth of his cloak about her shoulders. He smiled and laughed with her this afternoon. He had been right behind her, holding her arm and her hand. She shook her head and read Helga’s response.

Perhaps. Regardless of the card’s meaning, he obviously thinks it is important enough to be set at his bedside. Are you sure he has not noticed you are a girl?

After her previous thoughts, Helga’s teasing was beginning to wear on Ginny. Helga, stop! I told you I’m too young for that.

I am extremely pleased you understand that. Be very sure he understands that, too, especially when no chaperone is present! However, you are never too young to dream, are you? Speaking of dreams, I am sure it is late. Off to sleep with you, young miss!

Ginny bid Helga good night and closed her diary. Perhaps if she became good enough at Occlumency she would never again fear hearing Tom’s voice in her head. She took a deep calming breath and began her relaxation technique, remembering Remus’ lesson and focusing on the family clock with her hand pointing to safe.

*******

At breakfast the next morning Ginny sat across from Luna at the Ravenclaw table. She did not know why Luna was nervous but her friend was once again looking about vacantly, not meeting her eye.

“I got autographs from Sirius. He signed a picture and wrote something to you.”

Luna’s vacant gazing stopped and she looked Ginny in the eye. “He wrote something to me? Why ever would he do that?”

Ginny slid the folder with Luna’s copy of the picture across the table to her. “What if I don’t like what he wrote? He doesn’t know me,” she said, not looking directly at the folder.

“He told me he reads The Quibbler,” Ginny answered.

Luna slowly opened the folder and looked at the photograph. Her eyes moved back and forth as she read the inscription. She glanced up at Ginny, looking confused, and then re-read the inscription. A smile slowly appeared on Luna’s lips. “I knew I was right,” she whispered to herself with a satisfied tone.

Placing the picture back in the folder she primly said, “I must write and thank him. Daddy and I would appreciate Stubby’s help on our next expedition. With another pair of eyes, I’m sure we will find a Crumple-Horned Snorkack this time. I’m sorry to leave you, Ginny, but I must go and put this picture in my room.” Luna rose from the table and skipped towards the Great Hall’s open doors, humming a happy sounding tune.

Studying with her friends in the library later that day, Ginny was thrilled that Luna was at ease talking with other people. She had a slight, knowing smile on her face and met everyone’s eye. Ginny gave a silent thanks to Sirius and made a mental note to tell him how much his words meant to her friend.

The girls spent at least half an hour muttering about the Daily Prophet’s scant coverage of Ginny’s trip. A small picture of her and her mum with Sirius accompanied two inches of story at the bottom of page five. In the same paper a tirade by Rita Skeeter, complaining about Sirius Black’s refusal to publically discuss the death of Harry Potter, dominated the front page. Several other papers and magazines were due over the next week so Ginny wasn’t too upset at being ignored.

*******

Monday, the first of March, was her brother Ron’s birthday. All Sunday he told anyone and everyone in the common room that come Monday he would be a teenager and only four years from when he was of age. Ginny thought he had driven everyone spare with his incessantly-repeated remark. She stepped into the common room Monday morning to find Hermione wearing an unusually smug grin.

“What?” Ginny asked warily as she looked about the room. “You are very scary smiling like that.”

Hermione shrugged, “It’s Ron’s birthday. Have a seat while we wait for Vivien,” she said too smoothly.

Ginny settled carefully into a chair near the fire.

“Happy Birthday Ronald!” called a voice sounding very much like Great-Aunt Muriel’s. Ginny turned her head and stared at the seat in shock.

“What was that?” Vivien asked, stepping into the room. She came over to Ginny and sat on a sofa next to her.

“Happy Birthday Ronald!” the voice called again; and Vivien leapt off the sofa with a shriek. Hermione burst out laughing.

Neville came down the stairs laughing, too, and joined the girls next to the fire. “We charmed every seat in the common room to call out ‘happy birthday’ whenever someone sits on it.”

“Just another brilliant idea -”

“- from our brilliant Hermione!” the Twins said, joining the others. Hermione blushed at their praise, and looked very pleased.

“We were only going to Charm the seats by the fire, the chess board, and where Wood holds court on Quidditch,” Neville told Ginny.

“However,” said George, “Since Ron was driving us all ‘round the twist yesterday, going on about his important birthday, we decided to widen the scope of the prank.”

“Widen the scope? What do you mean?” said Vivien, sounding every bit as wary as Ginny had been.

Ron clumped down the stairs and joined Ginny and the Twins. “What are we all waiting for? I’m about ready for my birthday breakfast!” He flopped down on the sofa Vivien had just vacated.

“Happy Birthday Ronald!”

Ron jumped up like he had been shocked. “What the bloody hell was that!” he scowled.

“Well,” said George, “We thought we’d help you make sure everyone knew today’s your birthday.”

“All in the name of brotherly love, of course,” continued Fred.

“I don’t think you are the least bit funny!” snapped a beet-red Ron and he stormed over to a window alcove seat.

“Happy Birthday Ronald!”

“GAH!!” screamed Ron. “I mean it, this isn’t funny. I’m going to owl Mum about this,” he fumed.

The Twins responded with a falsetto “Happy Birthday Ronald!” Their younger brother made an extremely rude hand-gesture as he march out the portrait hole.

“What do you mean by ‘widen the scope’,” Vivien repeated in the ensuing silence.

“It’s not just our common room,” Neville told her. “We charmed every bench in the Great Hall.”

“Oh, I’ve got to see this,” Ginny smirked. “How did you do it?” Ginny asked as they made their way down to breakfast.

“I found a security alarm charm in a Defence Against the Dark Arts book in the Restricted Section,” Hermione said.

Ginny looked at the older girl. “That’s what you were doing in the Library last Sunday?” she asked, grateful she had not done anything to make Hermione uncomfortable.

Hermione cringed slightly, “I didn’t mean to just rush off like that and leave you there. I knew you’re already in trouble with the Headmaster, and if he got mad at this prank and thought you were involved in any way he might expel you, so I didn’t want to say too much, just in case he questioned you, and then you’d have to tell on us, and-”

Neville put his hands on her shoulders. “Breathe, okay? I’ve told you before, talking and not breathing is unhealthy,” he smiled at her.

“Hermione, it’s okay. I understand,” Ginny told her. “Thanks for thinking of me. This is a brilliant prank by the way. But what did you do?”

“Well there is this passage in Professor Lockhart’s book, ‘Voyages with Vampires’, where he wrote about setting up security spells to alert him if a Vampire came near while he was sleeping, and no Fred, not everything in his books is made up!”

“I’m George!” the Twin squawked indignantly.

“Doesn’t really matter, does it?” groused Hermione, and Neville chuckled. “Anyway, that is why I knew I could find the spell he referred to, and I did. So there! So… where was I? Oh yes, your brothers found a way to modify the alarm from a loud clanging noise to your Aunt Muriel’s voice reciting the happy birthday greeting. I think it ought to last ‘til past lunch.”

“She’s an absolute genius, our Hermione!” said Neville, giving her a hug that ended very quickly and awkwardly.

Ginny gave the red-faced Hermione a smug smile of her own.

Approaching the Great Hall, Ginny heard a roar of laughter as Ron streaked back up the stairs, a look of horror on his face.

“You don’t think you overdid this prank?” she asked, worried, "he might not eat until dinner just to avoid further embarrassment."

Fred waved her off. “Not to worry, oh precious, er... I mean vicious, sister. Mum sent his birthday cake to us, otherwise he’d have been eaten it before midnight last night. We made sure it was on Ron’s bed, with his present. He’ll see them when he gets up there.”

“Not to fear, Ginny,” added George, “even if he skives off the whole day he’ll have something to eat. Now then, let’s all sit one at a time, children.”

The phrase “Happy Birthday, Ronald” rapidly repeated six times as Ginny’s group sat. More laughter erupted in the Hall.

George sat where he could see through the doors and into the Entrance Hall. “Oh, Merlin’s balls,” he urgently whispered, “we should leave, like, maybe ten seconds ago!”

“Why? This is my first breakfast with you in weeks,” Ginny huffed.

“Look,” Fred spoke quietly, glancing over his shoulder, “Neville and Hermione charmed all the House table benches, but we came by later and did each professor’s chair.” Then he smirked and gave Ginny a wink.

Neville’s smile melted off his face, along with any colour in his cheeks.

“The chairs at the Head Table?” Hermione choked in horror. With a sharp glance at Ginny she hissed, “Oh my God! Is your whole family insane?”

Ginny looked up from her plate to see Professor Snape swoop towards the centre aisle of the Hall. None of the other professors seemed to mind the prank, but Snape? She remembered Sirius and Remus saying he was a former Death Eater. Did Death Eaters even know how to laugh?

The Twins warily watched the dour man’s progress towards the Hall’s centre aisle.

“Bugger it all!” Ginny spit, “I do not need to be blamed for this, I do not want to be in this Hall when that git sits down. So much for a leisurely Monday breakfast!” she huffed.

“You don’t do anything by halves, do you?” said Vivien, her quiet voice a mixture of trepidation and admiration.

“Let’s get out of here NOW!” Hermione harshly whispered as Snape turned up the aisle towards the staff table.

Ginny grabbed some toast and slipped through the Great Hall doorway with her friends. Unlike the others, who made haste for the stairs back to Gryffindor Tower, her curiosity forced Ginny to stop just outside the Hall’s doors. No longer physically in the Hall she knew she had to see this. Peeking around a door edge she watched her Potions professor glare at the nervously chuckling students as he sat.

“Happy Birthday Ronald!”