𝑁𝑜𝑡 𝐴𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 (𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝑃.)

Chapter 44: Unknown

Once settled into Ron's room, Hermione and I sit with the boys and hear about Harry's latest adventure with Dumbledore. And much to my dismay, a growl comes from my throat at the mention of Slughorn wishing to 'collect' him. 

"We almost uh, didn't come here." Hermione admits with her legs crossed; in front of the small fire we have aflame. Harry looks over at Ron, "Yeah, mum sort of lost it. Said Ginny and I had no business going back to Hogwarts, that it's too dangerous." 

"Oh, come on." Harry scoffs, wrapping an arm around me and pulling me into him. "She's not alone. Even my parents, and they're muggles. They know something bad's happening," Hermione interjects fidgeting with my own thumb.

"Anyway, dad stepped in, told her she was being barmy, and it took a few days, but she came around." Ron explains and Harry sighs, twisting one of my wavy locks in his fingers. "But this is Hogwarts we're talking about. It's Dumbledore, what could be safer?" 

"There's been talk recently that, Dumbledore's aged quiet a lot." I speak up, and Harry glances at me. "Rubbish! He's only... what is he?" 

I chuckle, "Hundred and sixteen." 

"How do you just know that? Blimey, he's ancient." The others laugh at Ron's words, a smile tugging on my lips. I missed this. I missed sitting around, discussing life with my best mates. I'm not sure I'm excited for the new school year this time, not with everything going on in the world.

Would dad want me going to school? Or would he put up the same fight as Mrs. Weasley did? I wonder what he would think about my mum living with us. "Children! Quiet down, off to bed now!" Mrs. Weasley's voice echos off the walls from across the hallway and we laugh a little quieter. 

"Will do!" I press a kiss to Harry's cheek, before Hermione and I go to Ginny's room where we've been staying. "How is he?" Ginny asks, and I sit down on the extra bed I've been resting, "He's just fine, Dumbledor head him on some crazy mission for the new potions teacher." 

Ginny hums an understanding before smiling, "I'm off to sleep, turn the lights off?" I nod, watching as Hermione turns the lights off, going to bed herself. 

"Do they really work?" Hermione wonders, holding a love potion from the twin's new shop. That apparently, Harry invested a large number in. "Yeah, they really do." Fred chimes behind us, "Then again, the way we hear it sis," George continues. "You're doing just fine on your own," They speak together.

"Meaning?" Ginny looks at them, a bit of nervousness showing. "Are you not currently dating Dean Thomas?" George jokingly wiggles his brows, while Ginny rolls her eyes. "That's none of your business." 

I look around for a bit longer, trying to avoid others while enjoying the atmosphere. "N/n? We're heading out, coming?" Harry places a hand on my forearm and I nod, following my friends out of the lively store. 

Hermione glances back at the shop, "How are they doing so well? Half the Alley's closed down." Ron explains, "Fred reckons people need a laugh these days."

"Reckon he's right," Harry chimes kicking a newspaper from his feet. I gasp, the group turning my way. "Olivander's is shut down as well, everyone got their wand there." I shake my head, recalling getting my wand for the first time. 

I turn my gaze towards an unfortunate scent I've picked up, "They do not seem to want to be followed." The others follow my gaze, watching as Draco and Narcissa Malfoy turn down an alleyway. So of course, we follow them. 

Through the dark stone walls, we pass a man whispering to the wall. A stop for a moment, seeing a wanted poster of Fenir Greyback, and I have to stifle the anger bubbling through me. Ron puts a hand on my shoulder, urging me forward.