Leaping
(It is a leap day after all)
Ginny looked up when her dad joined her at the pond. She smiled at him and then resumed her attempt to catch a frog. It required a lot of waiting.
“I heard you and Harry broke up,” Mr Weasley cut right to the chase.
Her gaze shifted from the pond to him. “I don’t remember telling you we were dating.”
“Ah.” Mr Weasley shook his head. “And you thought we wouldn’t find out?”
“No, I know you know.” She saw another frog slip under the surface again. “It was never meant to last.”
Mr Weasley looked at her for a long moment. “Why not?” he asked with an oblivious tone.
Ginny wondered if her dad was being deliberate about it, but she assumed he was just trying to make her talk about it. “You know why.”
“Enlighten me.”
She knew he wouldn’t drop it. “Because he is Harry.”
Mr Weasley chuckled lightly. “That he is.” His hands folded together. “Did you... break up with him?”
“I didn’t.” It suddenly occurred to her that that was a first. She tended to be the first one to go. “It doesn’t matter. I knew it was going to happen, because he is Harry.”
“Because he was trying to protect you?” Mr Weasley asked. At least he was no longer pretending he didn’t know.
“Yes, and...” She let out a long sigh. “I think he didn’t want me to wait for him.” She locked her gaze with her father’s. “We may all pretend not to know, we all know Dumbledore gave a mission, whatever it is.” She looked out to the pond against. “I am not sure if he expects to survive that, he is realistic about it at least.”
Mr Weasley nodded thoughtfully. “I can’t hate him for that.”
“It’s the worst,” Ginny said with a bitter smile. “Precisely because of that I like him so much.”
“You seem to take on all of that rather well.” A frown formed between his brows. “I hate how fast you have grown up. I feel like I’ve missed it entirely.” He looked down at his hands. “I was so busy with the boys, trying to get them through Hogwarts. I thought I had time with you, time to see you grow up and... then you started Hogwarts.”
The pain was evident in his eyes, guilt over something that was not his fault.
“There is still time,” she told him. “I may have some maturity, but I refuse to be grown-up.” And with that she leapt after the frog that had stuck its head out of the water.
She splashed into the pond and grabbed it with two hands. It tried to make an escape, but she had her hands clasped tightly around it. She stood up in the pond, her clothes drenched and her wet hair clinging to her face and neck.
She offered the frog to her dad and he was kind enough to hold it for her while she climbed out of the pond. It used to be the other way when she was younger. He’d jump around the pond—scaring off all the frogs in process—and she would sit and watch, giggling until her dad caught one for her.
She sat back down in the grass and took the frog back.
“What are you going to do with that?” he asked, wiping his hands on his trousers. “Another tea party with gnomes, frogs and newts?”
She shook her head. “Maybe if I give it a kiss, it’ll become a prince,” she joked. “Seeing as I am single again.”
“The only cursed frog in this pond is your cousin Barny. I would advice against kissing him, I put him in there for a good reason.” Mr Weasley bit back his smile.
Ginny laughed. “We don’t have a cousin Barny!”
“We could have,” Mr Weasley said. “It’s difficult to keep track.”
She chuckled lightly. “No. I can’t tell you what I am going to use it for. It is a secret.” She looked up at him innocently. “And you’d have to scold me, I am just saving you the hassle.”
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The Leaky Cauldron
From now on, the chapters take place in The Prisoner of Azkaban
Warning! This chapter has depictions of physical abuse. If this makes you uncomfortable or triggers you, please don't read this.
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
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The Sound of Silence-Simon and Garfunkel
That was the song you were listening to as you were laying on your back, staring at the Leaky Cauldron ceiling, tears in your eyes.
Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vison softly creeping
You spent the summer in Egypt with the Weasleys, your mother letting you go while going against your stepfathers wishes.
"It's bad enough that she's in the same house as them. I will NOT let her go to Egypt with them just so she can look at some stupid pyramids." he yelled, while you listened to from your room.
When the day came for you to go to the Weasley's, your mother secretly woke you up.
"Mum? What are you doing? I thought Dad said I couldn't go," you said, confused and tired.
"He doesn't know what he's talking about, sweetie," she said as she waved her wand around her room, your things flying into your suitcases. "Visiting Egypt with the Weasleys will be a wonderful opportunity for you."
So very quietly you went down to the living room and travelled to The Burrow via Floo Powder.
"Thank you mum," you whispered, hugging her before you left.
"Have fun sweetie, I'll see you when you get back." she said, hugging you back.
Egypt was as wonderful as you thought it would be. Not only did you get to hang out with Ron, one of your best friends, but you also got to hang out with George a lot more than you did at school. While in Egypt, you found yourself having a crush on the red haired boy. The thought of him made you smile and feel giddy inside.
You were hoping that your stepfather wouldn't be too mad that you went to Egypt. But when you got home, stepping out of the fireplace, you saw him sitting on the couch, a crazy look on his face.
"I told you not to go to Egypt, Y/N," he said slowly. "Why did you disobey me?"
"Mum said I could go," you said quietly, looking down. You wanted to go back into the fireplace.
"Your mother doesn't get a say in what you do, you know that," he said, standing up, he began to head towards you.
"I'm sorry! I just really wanted to-"
"I don't care what you want!" he snarled, picking you up by the front of your robes. "You live under my roof, you follow my rules. Do you understand?"
Tears started to stream down your face, you knew he would be angry, but you ignored it. 'How could you be so stupid,' you thought.
Not liking that you didn't answer his question fast enough, he punched you in the face, hard. That would no doubt leave a bruise.
"Answer the damn question!" he roared, spitting in your face. "Do you understand!?"
"Yes father," you whispered, blood dribbling down from your lip. "I understand."
"Good," your stepfather smirked down at you, throwing you down to the floor. "Unpack and clean yourself up. Your mother is taking you to Diagon Alley once she gets home."
He walked over to the door and grabbed his coat off the coat hanger and opened the door to head out.
Before he walked out, he turned around to speak to you. "If you disobey me again, I will make you wish that magic doesn't exist," he said in a deadly voice that made you shudder.
And with that he left, slamming the door behind him.
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You were grateful that your mother let you stay at the Leaky Cauldron with the Weasleys and Hermione until school started. As you lip synced to the lyrics, you wondered why she was with your stepfather. He was so cruel and unforgiving, while your mother was kind and sweet.
And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon God they made
And the sign flashed out it's warning
Suddenly you heard a knock from your door. You sat up, took off your headset, and put it in under your pillow. "Come in," you said, wiping the tears from your eyes.
The door opened and Hermione stood in the doorway.
"Y/N are you alright?" she asked in a soft voice, opening the door wider.
"Yeah I'm fine," you said, a fake smile on your face. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"I was just wondering," Hermione said, not fully believing you. "Ron and I are gonna get our school stuff, do you want to join us?"
"Yeah, sure, let me just get my shoes on."
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"Can we please sit down now," you groaned as you, Ron, and Hermione walked through Diagon Alley. "We've looked everywhere, what if Harry's not even here?"
"Oh come on Y/N, stop complaining," Hermione said, a slight frown on her face. "He's bound to be around here somewhere."
"Can we at least take a break, Hermione?" Ron said, stopping to rub his leg.
"I don't care what you say Hermione, I'm gonna go get a sundae," you said huffing. "You and Ron can join me or not, I don't care."
"Y/N," Hermione whined as the three of you walked to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. "We have to look for Harry."
"Oh calm down, Hermione," Ron said sitting down, "We're just taking a break."
"Fine, but let's not take longer than twenty minutes."
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40 minutes later
"I can't believe you ate the last bite of my sundae, Ronald." you muttered angrily. "If we were allowed to use magic, I would so curse you right now.
"I don't regret anything," Ron smiled cheekily.
"If you wanted a bite, you could have just asked," you grumbled, "Instead of stealing some of mine."
"Can I please have a bite?"
"I'm gonna strangle you Rona-"
"Look! There's Harry!" Hermione suddenly shouted.
"Oh, I see him!" you said, forgetting about your sundae.
"Harry! HARRY!"
Harry turned his head towards to them, and grinned, heading towards them.
"Finally!" Ron said, scooting over so Harry could sit next to him. "We asked around at the Leaky Cauldron, but they said you left already, and we went to Flourish and Blotts and Madam Malkin's and-"
"I got all my school stuff last week," Harry interrupted. "And how come you knew I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron?"
"Dad," Ron said simply.
"And I heard some people there talking about," you said. "I'm staying there too. I just got here this afternoon."
"Really?" Harry said gleefully. "That's wonderful I-"
"Did you really blow up your aunt Harry?" Hermione interrupted in a serious voice.
"I didn't mean to," Harry said, while you and Ron doubled over in laughter. "I just....lost control."
"Guys it's not funny," Hermione said sharply, glaring at you and Ron. "Honestly, I'm amazed Harry wasn't expelled.
"So am I," Harry said. "Forget expelled, I thought I was gonna be arrested."
"Now why would they arrest you, Harry?" you said, trying your hardest to stop laughing. "You're the Boy Who Lived. In the Minstry's eyes, and everybody else's you're a hero. But I don't know, you should ask Mr. Weasley about it.
"Yeah! Y/N already spoiled her part of the surprise," Ron narrowed is eyes at you. "But we're staying there too! So you can come with us to King's Cross tomorrow! Hermione's there as well!"
"Mum and Dad dropped me off this morning with all my Hogwarts things." Hermione said, beaming.
"And for your information, Ronald," you said, with mock venom in your voice. "I didn't know it was supposed to be a surprise."
"It's your fault for not knowing," Ron said, sticking his tongue out at you.
"I hate you."
"Ahem," Harry said, clearing out his throat very loudly. "Have you three got all your new books and stuff?"
"Look at this, Ron said, pulling out a thin box out of his bag. "Brand new wand. Fourteen inches, willow, containing one unicorn hair. And we've got all our books-"
"Let's just hope you don't break this one Ronald," you interrupted, smirking.
"And we've got all our books," Ron repeated himself, ignoring your quip. "What about those Monster Books eh? The assistant nearly had a heart attack when we said we wanted three."
"What's all that Hermione?" Harry asked, pointing at her bag.
"Well, I'm taking more new subjects than you, aren't I?" Hermione said.
"Exactly how many subjects are you taking Hermione?" you asked, your eyebrow raised.
She furrowed her eyebrows in thought, "Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, the Study of Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies-"
"I thought we were only allowed to pick classes," you said, confused.
"Professor McGonagall said I was allowed to," Hermione said, smacking your arm lightly.
"What are you doing Muggle Studies for?" Ron said, rolling his eyes. "You're muggle born! Your mum and dad are muggles! You already know all about muggles!"
"But it'll be fascinating to study them form the wizarding point of view," Hermione said.
"Are you planning to eat or sleep this year, Hermione?" Harry asked, while you and Ron giggled.
"I've still got ten galleons," Hermione said, ignoring you three. "It's my birthday in September and Mum and Dad gave me some money to get myself an early birthday present."
"How about a nice book?" Ron said innocently.
"No, I don't think so, "Hermione said. "I really want an ow. I mean, Harry's got Hedwig and you've got Errol-"
"Oooh I want an owl too!" you interrupted.
"Why didn't you get an owl first year then?" Harry asked.
"I would of, but my mum thought I wasn't old enough to be responsible for one,"
"There's a magical creature shop just over there," Harry said. "You and Hermione can get your owls."
"Great, I can get Scabbers checked out, "Ron said, placing Scabbers on the table. You saw how sickly Scabbers looked while you were in Egypt. "I don't think Egypt agreed with him."
"Maybe he contracted some weird disease."
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"You're so pretty," you cooed, holding up the owl cage. "With your gorgeous striped fur. I think I'm gonna name you Bella."
"I can't believe you actually bought that creature." Ron grumbled, as the four of you walked to the Leaky Cauldron. "That thing nearly scalped me!"
"He didn't mean to, did you, Crookshanks?" Hermione cooed.
"What about Scabbers?" Ron cried out. "He needs rest and relaxation! How's he going to get it with that thing around?"
"As funny as this situation is," you said, trying not to laugh. "Crookshanks will be in mine and Hermione's dorm, and Scabbers in yours. He should be fine now."
"Thank you, Y/N," Hermione gushed. "Poor Crookshanks, that witch said he'd been in there for ages. No one wanted him."
"I wonder why," Ron said, sarcastically. You hit him in the shoulder.
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The four of them reached The Leaky Cauldron and found Mr. Weasley sitting at the bar, reading the Daily Prophet.
"Harry!" he said, smiling. "How are you?"
"Fine thanks," you heard Harry say as you walked to your room to put Bella away.
"Here you go sweetie," you cooed, pulling out the bag of owl treats you bought and giving her some. "I'll be back soon."
Before you walked out, you quickly packed up your Walkman into your suitcase, not wanting to forget it.
You walked out of your room, and closed the door, quietly singing to yourself.
"She's a killer queen
Gunpowder, gelatin
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow yo-"
"Not singing muggle songs are you, N/N?"
You turned around and saw George, his arms crossed and smirking at you. "I hope you packed up your Talkman."
"Okay first of all it's called a Walkman," you said, slapping is arm. "And second of all, shut up! I don't want anyone else finding out that I have it?"
"And why is that, again?" he said, slapping you back more gently.
You looked down, "I just don't want it to get back to stepfather that's all." you said, hoping that he didn't see the blush on your face.
George frowned, "From what you've told me about him, your stepfather sounds like a big, fat, asshole."
"He is really fat actually," you said quietly.
George burst out laughing. "How fat is he?"
"Like as fat as the pumpkins Hagrid grows."
"How could you be that big?" George doubled over. "I think he should see a doctor about that."
"And I think you two should change for dinner," Percy said pompously, walking past the both of you.
"I really wish we trapped him in the pyramid," George muttered to you.
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You sat beside Hermione and George as you dug into the chocolate pudding. It was one of your favorite deserts, and you hadn't had it in a while. You weren't really paying attention to the conversation everyone else was having.
"How're we getting to King's Cross tomorrow, Dad?" Fred asked.
"The Ministry's providing a couple of cars," Mr. Weasley answered.
You stopped eating your pudding, wanting to hear more of what everyone was talking about.
"Why?" Percy asked, curiously.
"It's because of you, Perce," George said in a serious voice. "And there'll be little flags on the hoods, with HB on them-"
"-for Humongous Bighead," Fred finished.
Everyone besides Percy and Mrs. Weasley laughed.
"Why are the Ministry providing cars, Father?" Percy repeated, his face red.
"Well, as we haven't got one anymore," Mr. Weasley said. "And I work there, they're doing me a favor."
You noticed that Mr. Weasley's ears were turning red and that he was nervously looking at you and Harry.
"Good thing too," Mrs. Weasley said. "Do you realize how much luggage you've all got between you? A nice sight you'd be on the Muggle Underground....You are all packed, aren't you?"
"Ron hasn't put all his new things in his trunk yet," Percy said, sighing. "He's dumped them on my bed."
"You'd better go and pack properly, Ron, because we won't have much time in the morning." Mrs. Weasley said while Ron scowled at Percy.
After dinner, everyone began to make their way upstairs, preparing for the events of tomorrow.
As you walked to your room, you heard Percy and Ron shouting at each other.
"It was here, on the bedside table, and I took it off for polishing-" Percy roared.
"I haven't touched it, all right?" Ron roared back.
You rolled your eyes and stepped into your room, stretching your arms out.
"Hi Bella," you said, walking over to the cage. She was currently sleeping.
"Oh I can't wait for you to see Hogwarts," you whispered. "You'll love it."
Getting your pajamas, you thought about your third year. You hoped nothing too troubling would happen this year. You hoped that you wouldn't have to deal with too much of Malfoy. You also hoped that you would hang out with George. The thought made you smile.
You settled into bed, falling asleep quickly.
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I hope you enjoyed this so far, I think I'll upload either every day or every other day.
Stay safe and drink plenty of water!!
xoxo, Izzy
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