Soulbonded

Chapter 10: Whispers and Revelations

Italics are thougths

The summer days passed lazily at the Burrow, the warmth of the sun soaking the fields and gardens as the Weasley family prepared for yet another school year at Hogwarts. Harry had settled into the cozy routine of the house, spending his time laughing with Ron, listening to the twins' pranks, and sneaking more frequent kisses with Ginny. Their bond was growing stronger, and with it, so was their connection.

It was no longer just the occasional kiss shared in private moments. Harry and Ginny found themselves drawn to each other more and more, their physical connection complementing the deep mental bond they shared. The kisses were still soft, tender, but they were growing in intensity, their affection deepening with every moment they spent together.

When they weren't kissing, they found another way to stay close—through their minds. They had discovered that, with just a thought, they could speak to one another across distances. Whether it was to discuss something private or simply share a fleeting feeling, Harry and Ginny's bond allowed them a unique closeness that no one else could understand. It had become second nature to them now, and they used it whenever they wanted to be in each other's thoughts, sharing their secret connection in the middle of crowded rooms or quiet evenings.

One day, as Harry and Ginny were sitting together under the shade of a large tree in the garden, something happened that shook their peaceful summer. Harry had wandered into the house for a moment, and as he passed by the kitchen, he overheard Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in a heated conversation.

"I still can't believe he escaped!" Mrs. Weasley's voice was filled with worry.

"I know, Molly," Mr. Weasley said quietly, his tone grave. "But the Ministry believes Sirius Black is after Harry. He's the reason Black broke out of Azkaban."

Harry froze, his heart suddenly pounding in his chest. Sirius Black? After me? He didn't linger any longer to hear the rest of the conversation. His legs carried him out of the house and back to where Ginny was waiting for him. He sat down beside her heavily, his mind spinning with what he had just heard.

Ginny sensed something was wrong immediately. She reached out, touching his arm gently. "Harry, what is it? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Harry closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady his breathing before speaking through their mental bond. "I just heard your parents talking... Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban. And they think he's coming for me."

Ginny's eyes widened, and her face reflected the same shock Harry was feeling. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Sirius Black? She had heard of the infamous escapee, the supposed Death Eater responsible for betraying Harry's parents, leading to their deaths.

Harry swallowed hard, anger and frustration rising within him. "Why can't I just have one year at Hogwarts where I'm not being hunted or threatened?" His voice cracked as the weight of the constant danger pressed down on him. "I don't want to live with death looming over me all the time. I just wanted one normal year."

Before he knew it, tears stung his eyes, his emotions overwhelming him. He wasn't even aware of how much he had been holding in, how exhausted he was by the never-ending fear and danger that followed him wherever he went.

Ginny's heart ached as she watched him struggle. Without a word, she moved closer, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him against her. Harry buried his face in her shoulder, his tears falling freely now as the tension he had been carrying for so long finally broke. Ginny whispered comforting words to him, her lips brushing against his forehead in soft, tender kisses.

"It's okay, Harry," she whispered, pressing her lips against his cheek, then his temple. "You're not alone. I'm here. We'll get through this together."

Her comforting presence, her gentle kisses, soothed him like nothing else could. Harry felt the storm of emotions quieting inside him, replaced by the warmth of her touch, her love. He held her tighter, their hearts beating as one.

Without realizing it, they both began to drift off, the exhaustion of the day and the intensity of their emotions pulling them into sleep. As their eyes closed, they slipped seamlessly into their shared dreamland.

When Harry opened his eyes, the soft glow of the dreamland surrounded them. He and Ginny stood side by side in the field of swaying grass, the sky above them a brilliant shade of blue. It was a peaceful place, but today Harry's mind was far from peaceful.

"I need to talk to my parents," Harry said, his voice steady but troubled.

Ginny nodded in understanding, her hand slipping into his as they walked toward the familiar hill where James and Lily Potter always seemed to be waiting. As they crested the rise, there they were, sitting on a small blanket, their faces lighting up at the sight of their son.

"Harry!" Lily called, standing up with a warm smile. "It's so good to see you."

James joined her, his smile just as bright, but as Harry and Ginny drew closer, they both sensed that something was wrong. Harry's expression was serious, and Ginny stayed close, lending him strength as they approached.

"What's wrong, son?" James asked, concern flashing in his eyes.

Harry hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I overheard Mr. and Mrs. Weasley talking. They said Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban... and that he's coming for me."

A heavy silence settled over them. Harry's parents exchanged a look before James spoke, his voice careful. "Harry, there's something you don't know about Sirius."

Harry frowned, confused by the sudden shift in their tone. "What do you mean?"

Lily stepped forward, taking Harry's hand gently. "Sirius Black isn't your enemy, Harry. He wasn't the one who betrayed us... he's innocent."

Harry's heart skipped a beat. "What? But... everyone says—"

James shook his head firmly. "Sirius was framed. The real traitor, the one who gave us away to Voldemort, was Peter Pettigrew."

For a moment, Harry was too stunned to speak. Everything he thought he knew about the night his parents were killed came crashing down around him. "Pettigrew... but he was your friend too..."

Lily's eyes filled with sorrow as she nodded. "He was. We trusted him, and he betrayed us. But Sirius... Sirius would have died before he let anything happen to you or us. He loved you, Harry."

Harry's mind reeled, the truth shaking him to his core. The man he had been told was a murderer—the man he thought was responsible for his parents' deaths—was innocent. And the true villain was someone who had hidden in the shadows, escaping blame.

"Then why did he go to Azkaban?" Harry asked, his voice small.

James looked at his son with a mix of pride and pain. "Sirius tried to kill Peter after what he'd done, but Peter faked his own death, framing Sirius for it. That's why Sirius was sent to Azkaban."

Harry's hands clenched into fists as the anger and confusion surged inside him. He felt Ginny's presence beside him, her hand squeezing his in silent support.

"Harry," Lily said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Sirius is your godfather. He loves you, and if he's escaped, it's because he's trying to protect you. Not harm you."

The weight of the revelation was almost too much for Harry to bear. All these years, he had believed a lie. But now, knowing the truth, a new determination rose within him.

"We'll find a way to clear his name," Harry whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"We will," Ginny echoed, her arm wrapping around him for comfort.

They stayed in their dreamland for a little longer, talking about what had happened and what they needed to do next. But when they woke up, lying together in their room at the Burrow, Harry felt lighter—more resolved than ever. He had Ginny by his side, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the evening faded into night, Harry's mind was filled with thoughts of Sirius, of Peter Pettigrew, and of the new battle that awaited him. But for now, he had Ginny's warmth beside him, her soft kisses easing his worries as they lay in bed together, the bond between them stronger than ever.