Chapter 19
Harry and Hermione managed to waylay Ginny's inquiries for almost three weeks. She was more concerned about Draco than details on Harry and Hermione's engagement.
Hogsmeade weekend was fast approaching but some of the seven were not interested in going to Hogsmeade.
"Well, I don't know about you, but I'd rather spend the day at Fincayra than go to Hogsmeade," Hermione commented and glanced at Harry. He smiled knowing how much Hermione had grown attached to his ancestor's place.
"I don't know. I wanted a break from all the searching for once," Ron commented. He was getting overwhelmed with the search for the first song and was becoming less and less confident about his contribution to their cause. He knew he was getting better physically as far as their training was concerned, but the magical aspect of their training was getting frustrating for him. He wanted to spend time with Lavender, with Quidditch, with his schoolwork and with the cause, but he was starting to feel as if everything is way over his head.
He and Lavender had talked extensively when they had time alone, but Lavender's reassurances did not seem to be working at all. She kept telling him that he was a wonderful person, friend and wizard and he would not have been chosen if he wasn't. Then he'd go back with, "What if someone made a mistake?"
Lavender was getting frustrated with Ron more than with the tasks they were set out to do. She'd tell him so and that would be the only time he'd back down and cuddle with her until the next time they'd see each other. It was becoming a routine for Ron to spend about 10 minutes telling Lavender about his self-doubt and Lavender re-assuring him that he was worthy of the task.
Neville was having his own doubts, but not because of his skills or knowledge, but it was more of the romantic nature. He'd see Lavender and Ron, Harry and Hermione and Draco and Ginny and he couldn't help but be envious of them. He did know, however, that if he found someone at that point in time it would be difficult for him to share everything in his life. He wouldn't be able to share anything regarding the tasks or his destiny. He knew that Tonks was a lost cause because of the age difference, but he just couldn't help but hope that she would one day notice him.
He would put in extra effort during their training and try as much as possible to be near her, but she still wouldn't take the hint. What he didn't realize however was the way the girls in Hogwarts have been eyeing him since he'd grown out of his baby fat. The other six kept telling him of girls looking at him, but he wouldn't believe them. He was too caught up in his worthiness as far as Tonks was concerned that he was blind to anyone else.
Ginny and Draco on the other hand were getting along well except for the fact that Draco still hadn't opened up about his nightmares and his fears. He would try his best to put up a front for Ginny, but Ginny would see right through him. When she would start to try to coax him into telling her what was bothering him, he'd shut her out and she'd be hurt, but was too devoted to him to let herself give up on him. She knew that it must have something to do with his father, but she wasn't sure and she didn't want to bring Lucius up during their private moments.
Harry looked at each of them. He knew they'd been working hard at something that would ultimately seal his fate. He didn't like that he'd disrupted their lives somehow, but he felt humbled at their dedication to their mission because of him. He knew that their loyalty to him was what kept them going and it made him feel guilty as well.
"Well, we're not actually going to Fincayra to search for the meaning of the song. Hermione and I just wanted some time to be alone somewhere where we wouldn't have to be bothered by anyone in this time and place. We're only telling you just in case you would like to do the same."
"Count us in," Draco voiced. He knew Fincayra would be a safe place for Ginny and he to be together and not have to worry about being discovered. Ginny looked at him and smiled. She was thinking the same thing and she hoped time away from everyone would help Draco open up.
"This will be a different trip because we'll actually be there physically instead of mentally and spiritually like most of our trips. We can spend the whole day instead of just a few hours."
"I'm in," Neville chimed in. He wanted more time to explore all the different plants he'd been able to glimpse at during their other trips.
"Also, we are going back into a different time than we've been going." The others looked at Harry simultaneously.
"Like the time turner?" asked Hermione.
"Not exactly. You see with leaping, you can choose to leap to a different time and place."
"You're kidding! You mean you've had the power to travel through time all this time and you haven't gone back to before Voldemort was born or maybe before your mum…" Ron stopped, but Harry knew what he meant to say.
"No Ron. There are rules to every power and breaking them will certainly have dire consequences beyond our imagination. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I haven't thought about going back in time to save my mum and dad, but by doing that I could alter not only my present, but everyone else's. Remember what Merlin said about the ripple effect. When we throw one little pebble in a very still, calm lake, the little pebble starts rippling and it becomes bigger and bigger until it hits the edge of the water."
"He's right Ron. If he went back in time to change our present it would mean that we've never even met. You and Lavender may not be together. We've never become friends. There would be a lot of things that would be different if one little event was changed in the past."
"Okay, fine. But how come we can go back in time in Fincayra?" Ron smirked.
"Because Fincayra is neither of earth or the heavens. It's an in between world and our lives do not exist there. By going there we do not change anything because they are of different plane in time."
"Oh. I guess you can count us in then." He looked at Lavender to see if it was actually okay with her. He cringed because he hadn't asked her first before making a decision.
"It's fine. Count us in Harry. I'm rather tired of Hogsmeade myself," Lavender answered Ron's unvoiced question.
"Well, then. Let's meet here tomorrow after breakfast?"
They all agreed and decided to call it a night. But before Draco was going to let Harry leap him back to his room, Ginny finally remembered about Harry and Hermione's engagement.
"Hey, are you going to tell us about the engagement now?" The other four turned from the door and faced Harry and Hermione.
"Okay, we really didn't mean to keep it a secret. We just wanted to wait until I actually gave Hermione a ring."
Just then Lavender and Ginny ran to give Hermione a hug and let out a squealing session. Ron, Draco and Neville went over to congratulate Harry.
"I can't believe it Harry. Now you know that Lavender will expect something from me, don't you?"
"Well, what's the big deal, Ron? You were planning on asking her anyway."
"Yes, but now she might think that I am doing it only because you've already gone and done it."
"Well, I haven't done the other thing yet and you have, so I don't think she'll think it." Ron blushed as Draco looked at him with raised eyebrows, but what they were talking about went completely over Neville's head.
"So, you plan on asking Lavender too?" asked Draco.
"Not so loud. It's supposed to be a surprise."
"What's supposed to be a surprise?" asked Lavender overhearing the phrase as they walked back to join the boys after their squealing session.
"Mine and Hermione's engagement. I was telling them that I meant it to be a surprise. I had it all planned out, but well I just felt like asking her one night and it was a surprise for the both of us."
"That's so sweet, Harry," Lavender said. Hermione looked at him as if she didn't believe a word he said. He winked at her to let her know he'd explain it when they were alone.
"I guess you were all surprised as well, eh?"
"Mate, you have no idea," Ron answered.
"Well, I sort of expected them to be engaged," Neville added and all eyes turned on him. "What? I don't think I've ever seen any two people who were meant to be together than Harry and Hermione."
"Thank you Neville," Hermione told him and gave him a peck on the cheek. "That's very sweet of you to say so."
Neville blushed at the attention. "Well, it's true. I wish you both well."
"Thanks, mate," Harry interjected.
"Well, I think I've had enough excitement for one night. I'm off to bed. I'll see you all tomorrow morning."
"'Night Neville."
One by one they left the room until Harry and Hermione were all alone.
"Okay, what was that all about?"
"Oh, you think I was just giving them a speech, do you?"
"Come on Potter. I was there, remember?"
"Well, some of it was true. I was planning on asking you but that night just seemed so right, so I did. And as far as the surprise coming from Ron was concerned, he's a little put off because he'd been planning to ask Lavender for a while and I beat him to it. He's a little worried that Lavender would think he was just taking my lead and that he didn't think about it on his own or something like that."
"That's just silly. Ron should know better. But Lavender is wondering when and if he'll be asking her that's for sure."
"Well, don't you dare tell her I told you that he's planning to. I don't want Ron getting miffed at me if I ruin his surprise."
"Oh, don't worry. I won't say a word. Come here you." She grabbed Harry's robes and pulled him close to her. She kissed him gently at first. She smiled at him. "I love you, did you know?"
"I had a pretty good idea. I love you too, a lot." He kissed her. It didn't take long for their kiss to deepen and heated.
"We'd better get going," he told her as he gasped for breath. She nodded still unable to gather her bearings. They walked out after checking if the coast was clear.
The next day after breakfast they met up in their meeting room. They all had a mixture of excitement and a bit of wariness at the same time. They wanted to go, but at the same time they didn't want to spend their day off so to speak looking for more clues.
"So, is everyone ready?"
They all nodded in agreement. "Then let's get this show on the road." They all closed their eyes and waited for the familiar darkness that surrounded them just before they arrive at their destination. It didn't take Harry long to leap them to Fincayra. It was getting easier each time he did.
Just as quickly as they closed their eyes moments ago, they were opening them again. They took in the sight and the scent.
"Something is different," commented Hermione.
"Yes, remember I told you we were going back in time somewhere? Well, I wanted to see Merlin when he was about our age. I think we'll even meet Rhia."
"But, wouldn't that disrupt their lives somehow meeting people not only from the future, but people from another world."
"In a way, but the older Merlin taught me how to remove our presence from the memory of others right before we leap away."
"Wicked!" Ron exclaimed. "But Harry, if we could do that, then can't we do that in our world?"
"No, remember Fincayra is different so it's easier for magic to work here than in our world. The people here are much more susceptible I guess. I am not exactly sure, and Merlin didn't go into details on why. He just taught me the how."
"Well, whatever. Let's go exploring already," Neville impatiently told them. The plants were too much for him to ignore.
"Go, ahead Neville. But will you keep someone with you at all times just in case."
"Who?" Just then a squirrel jumped on top of Harry's shoulder. It made Hermione jump a bit in surprise.
"Ixtma here will keep you company and do try to pay attention to her warnings."
"Ah, Harry. How am I supposed to understand what she tells me? I don't speak squirrel."
"Don't worry, she has a way of communicating." Harry whispered to the squirrel in her own tongue and sent her on Neville's shoulders. "She knows to keep you away from the dangerous plants. Go on."
The six of them watch as Neville trudged away to study the plants in the Druma garden.
"Well, where do the rest of you want to go?" Harry asked them.
Ron and Lavender signaled Harry as they took their leave towards the Druma Woods opposite Neville's direction.
"Okay, I guess that answers your question, Harry," Ginny commented dryly.
"Well, then where are you two going to go?" Draco asked.
"Could I have a word with Draco first before I let you go?" Ginny and Draco looked at each other in surprise. They thought for sure he wanted to be alone with Hermione immediately.
"Sure, I guess I'll talk with Hermione first. We could talk about her wedding dress." She smiled at Harry and Draco as they rolled their eyes heavenward.
As soon as the girls left, Draco was first to talk "You know, don't you?"
"If you mean, what's been bothering you, no I don't. I haven't my empath or mind reading on you. I've just noticed how tired you've been looking lately. Actually, everyone's noticed. I don't think they want to say anything until you do. Everyone values your privacy and they know that Ginny has tried."
"So you all talk about me after I leave the room?"
"No, actually, for some reason everyone has come to me with their concern for you privately and individually. They seem to think I know what's been going on, and frankly I am tired of wondering so are you going to tell me?"
Draco smirked. "I'd never thought the day would come when the Harry Potter and a Malfoy would have a heart to heart."
"If someone told me six years or just even two years ago that we'd actually be friends, I'd have laughed in their face and maybe hex them. But fate has dealt us a card that we can neither refuse nor ignore. I'm glad we're not enemies anymore, truth be told. I had enough bullying from my cousin; I just didn't feel like being bullied at school too. I felt home at Hogwarts."
They stood there facing each other lost in their own memory of how the first six years have been like in their relationship or lack of. They both sighed in the reminiscence of time past.
"I think the only person who'd managed to give me more of a hard time compared to you was Snape."
"Yeah, you're right. I loved every minute of Potions class. Whatever happened to his chip on his shoulder."
"We came to an understanding."
"You mean, he became scared of you and your powers." Draco chuckled at how modest Harry could be about his powers that seemed unlimited compared to him and the rest of the average wizard.
"I don't know if it's that. I think he's coming to see that I am not my father that's all." Draco cringed at the sound of the word "father". Harry was too perceptive to miss it. "Is that what you've been harboring for over a month? Has your father been pressuring you into joining the Death Eater?"
"No, I haven't even seen or heard from my father. He must be busy trying to help his master find a way to destroy you or something. It's just that…" Draco paused. He didn't know how to voice his fear. Harry waited patiently for him to finish his thought and say what he wanted to say.
"I've been having nightmares about my father forcing me into submission to join his ranks. In the dream I was defying him every step of the way and he tortured me. His own son. His own flesh and blood."
"Are you afraid that if it does happen in reality that you won't be able to fight him off?"
"Not really. In my heart, I know I don't want to be a part of Voldemort's soldiers. What I'm afraid of is that because I am my father's son, will my mind be able to fight what he believes is inevitable?"
"Draco, you are not your father just as I am not my father. We are our own persons and we have our own hopes, dreams and destiny. You cannot allow your blood ties to be stronger than what your heart believes. Your heart is so much stronger. It is the center of your being and everything that comes from it is always stronger."
"Easy for you to say, your ancestors have always been on the good side."
"Not really. You must not have heard about Merlin's father Stangmar."
"No, I don't think I have."
"Well, the reason Merlin's mother, Ellen, took him away from Fincayra in the first place was because his father had been coerced into joining an evil force and part of his task was to kill Merlin. He killed and held Fincayra with his evil ways for a while because he was King."
Draco was a little surprised at the story. He always thought Merlin and Harry came from a long line of do gooders who always fought for good rather than evil.
"You see, you don't have to follow in anyone's footsteps. Even my own father had done some things in his youth that I am not very proud of, but I am not about to go and do the same thing."
"Come on, James Potter doing something bad. That's a little hard to swallow Harry. I've always heard of how great your dad was."
"They only talk about the man he came to be, Draco. There was a glimpse of the past that I had a chance to see once and I didn't much like my father when I saw it." Of course he was thinking back at the memory he saw from Snape's pensieve. He saw how mean James and Sirius had been with Snape. He didn't blame Snape for being bitter towards his father, but his mistake was taking it out on the son.
"You're not going to tell me what it is, are you?"
"Let's just say that Snape had every right to be angry at my dad and Sirius."
"Okay, I guess that's good enough. I saw the way Snape acted towards you. That was enough to see how much he detests your dad."
"That's just the point Draco, I'm not him and you're not your father."
"I'll try to keep that in mind."
"Do you need help with the nightmares?"
"No, I could make my own dreamless potion thanks. It's just that I felt that the answers to my questions were in my dreams so I wanted to see it."
"Take it from me, sometimes the dreams are not always what they seem." He remembered the dreams Voldemort had been sending him about the Department of Mysteries in his fifth year. "Just remember that in your dreams you can be anything you want, in reality you can be just as strong."
"Thanks, mate. I'm glad we had this talk. I figured you might help me put things in perspective."
"Ginny would have understood you know."
"Yeah, I know. But how do you tell your girlfriend that you're afraid you might be as ruthless and mean as your father especially when she'd had first hand experience of his treachery?"
"You have to trust in your heart and her love for you. She doesn't blame you for what happened in the Chamber all those years ago. I believe she doesn't even see your father in you when she looks at you."
"I hope you're right."
"Just remember what we talked about and have a little more faith in yourself and in your friends. You're not alone, stop trying to shoulder everything by yourself."
"Yeah, okay. Just as long as you take your own advice." Harry cracked a smile. He pat Draco in the back and they walked towards Hermione and Ginny.
Draco and Ginny walked towards the other end of the Druma wood and Harry and Hermione walked towards Arbassa.
Upon entering Arbassa Harry and Hermione were greeted with a sight they'd never thought they'd see. Merlin beardless, with long messy black hair and as young as they were facing an older Merlin with white long hair and beard like the Merlin they were used to.
A/N: Wow! That was a long vacation eh? I thought I'd give you this longer chapter to make up for the two weeks I didn't post. It's a transition chapter so I hope you didn't expect too much. Had a great vacation and had lots of work waiting for me on my return. Hope the bulk of you enjoyed your spring break as well.