How to Prevent a War

A Gryffindor Day

Fred, George, Ron, Hermione and Ginny had all banded together in the Gryffindor common room out of worry for Harry. It had been two days since the incident with Harry and the Basilisk, and after that talk their friend had with Riddle, he refused to speak to anyone.

"I still think he cursed Harry," Ginny announced.

"The nurse checked him over twice, Gin," Fred reminded his little sister.

"There's absolutely no curse residue on him," George added.

"It must have been something he said," Ron muttered.
"Bloody Riddle. First he seduces Harry, and now he's trying to kill him."

"I highly doubt Tom wants to kill Harry, Ron," Hermione deadpanned.
"Alphard said his feelings towards Harry are the most real he's ever seen. He think Tom might even be in love."

"And Alphard is a reliable source?" Ron asked doubtfully.
"Alright, he isn't bad, but he's still a follower of Riddle and a Slytherin."

"So is Megan Yaxley!" Hermione hissed furiously.

Ron turned bright red at the implications and opened his mouth to apologize, but Hermione was already up and she packed her stuff together with a swipe of her wand.

"I have a date with Alphard after classes tomorrow," she announced proudly.
"So I better go and get my schoolwork done tonight."

With her nose thrust up high in the air, she walked away. Ron was glaring at the entrance of the common room even after Hermione had disappeared.

"What's got her so wound up?" he asked annoyed.

Fred and George rolled their eyes, chuckling while Ginny leaned over to hit him over the head.

"Ouch! What's that for, Gin?" he asked annoyed.

"For being a bloody idiot!" his sister fumed before storming off.

"Girls," Ron muttered, glaring at Ginny's retreating form.
"As if dating now is a good idea! Hagrid got expelled because of Riddle!"

"Shouldn't we tell Harry about that?" George asked scowling.

"What? Break into the hospital wing so we can upset him even more?" Fred asked incredulous.
"Great idea, George. I'm sure the nurse will love us for that."

Ron stared at his two brothers in pure shock. Fred and George never argued. Ever.

"We'll tell him when he's better," he quickly decided.

Fred and George looked over at their little brother and both nodded in agreement, making Ron smile in relief. With a sigh, he stood up.

"I'm bloody tired," he muttered before moving towards his dorm.

. . . . .

Ginny was pretty sure someone up there truly hated her. They had to be, otherwise, she wouldn't be stuck having classes with Slytherin all day long. She barely had to see any of them any other day of the bloody week, but this day had all the Slytherin/Gryffindor classes put together and it was torture.

"Alright!" Professor Merrythought called out.
"For the next spell, I need two volunteers..."

Ginny, like all the other students, tried to shrink away. Merrythought was known to be a bit 'harsh' with her volunteers, and thus, no one ever stepped forward. This also meant the old woman had taken on just pointing at random students to assist her.