Love the Unloved

Chapter 34

It was now Monday and no one had heard from Hermione and Severus thought he was going to lose his mind. No one had received any news about the girl and they hoped that that was a good thing. Some people had inquired about her, but they were told that she was not feeling well and was staying in her rooms being monitored by Professor Snape and Madam Pompfry. There was concern that if it got around that she had left the castle, she may be at risk of being hunted by Voldemort and his followers if she wasn't already.

Harry was going stir crazy as he thought about his friend, hoping that she had not gone after the men that killed her parents. He knew she wasn't stupid, but emotional stress like what she had recently gone through could drive anyone to do the stupidest things.

"Harry, I don't think she went after them," Ginny said softly as they sat in the west courtyard with Neville and Luna.

"Then where did she go and why did she leave?" he asked. Neville looked at him.

"She just lost her parents, mate. Maybe she just needed to get away," he suggested.

"She picked a hell of a time," Harry grumbled.

"I'll say. I can't imagine she's foolish enough to take on any Death Eaters by herself," Neville pointed out.

"Apparently, she has been reading books with Dark Magic in them," he replied softly. Neville's eyes widened a fraction and he frowned.

"In that case…I don't know."

"Dark Magic does not always change the one casting it," Luna suddenly said in her usual dreamy voice. "Hermione has a good heart and that will always keep her from becoming dark."

"I guess," Harry said uncertainly.

"It's not for evil deeds that she left," Luna said, getting a confused frown from everyone, but the girl did not elaborate any further.

"We better head to lunch, I'm hungry," Ginny said, standing up.

The four of them made their way to the Great Hall and sat down at the Gryffindor table. Harry eyed Ron who was sitting close to Lavender but not paying attention to much of anything. He had to admit that he missed his friend, but he just couldn't forgive him for what happened to Hermione. He was kind of surprised though that Ron seemed to be very remorseful about the whole situation. Harry knew his friend was not a terrible person at heart, but he was stubborn and sometimes really thick which had led to the situation that they were in now. Sighing deeply, he turned to his lunch and picked at it, not really having much of an appetite.

"It's ok, Harry," Ginny whispered. "I miss him too." Harry knew that this situation was just as hard on her as it was on him if not more so. She had avoided her brother because of what he had done and he knew a part of her wanted to forgive him, but it was too soon. The hurt was too extensive to let go of right now.

Neville kept looking at the Head Table, because all of the teachers seemed engrossed in a very animated conversation and he couldn't help but wonder what they were talking about. Perhaps it was about Hermione. He quietly caught Harry's attention and motioned for him to look at the teachers.

"I wonder what they are talking about," he said with a frown, adjusting his glasses.

"You reckon it has to do with, Hermione?" Neville asked.

"Maybe," Harry said uncertainly. It wasn't until everyone finished lunch that Harry noticed Headmistress McGonagal stand up at the podium that he was so used to seeing Dumbledore stand at.

"Students, I need your attention," she called, effectively silencing everyone. "Your next class will be cancelled so consider this a free period and use it wisely. I would suggest perhaps doing homework." The students frowned and began to whisper amongst each other.

"I wonder why s-," Ginny started before being cut off by the Headmistress speaking again.

"However, I need all 6th and 7th years to remain here. The rest of the students please leave the Hall."

Several students were now speculating what was going on and they all seemed to be upset that many of them would not be finding out what was going on because of their age. The older students watched as the confused younger ones left the Hall, whispering to each other and looking back at the teachers in confusion. Once they were all out of the Great Hall, the Headmistress closed the doors and placed a silencing charm so no one outside of the room could hear them.

"What the hell?" Harry hissed and looked back at the teachers, all of which had come to stand behind the Headmistress.

"Students, I am sure you are wondering why I have asked you stay. The other Professors and I have discussed this in detail and it has come to our realization that this war is coming whether we like it or not and unfortunately we are not equipped to deal with it. The magic we are taught within these walls are the basics and designed for you to graduate, not necessarily defend yourself against a threat like we currently have. Without the proper training we will not be able to defeat The Dark Lord and his Death Eaters," the woman said. The students weren't sure what to say. It wasn't every day that you were faced with the truth of the situation, and that was that they might die in this war because they didn't know how to survive. Neville stood up.

"What are you suggesting we do, Professor?" he asked.

"I am suggesting we learn," she said softly. Murmurs swept through the Hall and the Headmistress motioned for them to be quiet. "The only way to combat some of this Dark Magic, is by using Dark Magic."

Students gasped and began talking amongst themselves, thinking that she was completely out of her mind. How would they learn Dark Magic and how dark was she talking about? One of the greater fears was that people who used that kind of magic would be consumed by it. The Headmistress however silenced them again.

"I understand your fears, believe me. This is something we have been arguing about all weekend, but the fact of the matter is we are not prepared to fight these Death Eaters. Now, I am not going to force any of you to do this. This is an optional course and it will take place after dinner three times a week. Now, please listen…the reason we asked the older students to stay is because you are of age to do this and therefor can decide for yourselves. We need you to learn defensive Dark Magic and counterspells to their curses so you can help with the younger students. They need protection. Our intention is not to turn you into dark wizards or witches. It is to give you the knowledge you will need to protect yourselves and others, as well as cure anyone hit with a dark curse assuming it is curable." The Headmistress then motioned for Madam Pompfry to step up.

"Students, we are not just looking for those interested in taking these extracurricular classes, we are also looking for those who would be willing to get medical training and learn healing spells in order to help me if it came to that. I can only hope that none of you will see the horrors of war, but we feel it is inevitable, so if you are not comfortable using Dark Magic and you still want to be a part of this endeavor please consider joining me," she said and stood down. Professor Snape stepped forward, causing several students to swallow in fear. Their knowledge of his past made him even more frightening to some.

"I have a list of a select few students who seem to have an aptitude for Potions and I will be requesting that those students take lessons from me on brewing a wide range of healing salves and potions. I will not be able to keep up with the demand on my own if this war comes here and I cannot even guarantee that I will survive it and therefor I need my best students to step forward and take my place in order to help Madam Pompfry." The lack of emotion in his voice when he spoke about his own death, stunned the students. If he thought he may not live, how were they supposed to when he himself used to be a Death Eater?

"Who will teach us?" Cho asked.

"Professor Snape and Professor Lupin will be working together for two of those classes to teach you the darker side of magic as well as counterspells," McGonagal said firmly. "The third class will be taught by Professor Flitwick and Professor Lupin to teach you stronger defensive charms, basic survival, and specialty ward spells while Professor Snape is working with his select Potion students."

"This is actually a good idea," Ginny whispered to Harry.

"I agree. I think we could all use a bit of training in darker magic," Harry said with a nod. Professor Snape then stepped forward again.

"Now, students who do not wish to participate in this at all are welcome to leave. When you walk through those doors you will remember nothing of this. The rest of you who wish to participate will sign a ledger and that will form a contract in which for the entirety of this training you are not to speak of it to anyone but those of us participating and the staff. The contract works similar to a vow which will not permit you to write about this, speak of it, or inform anyone else, especially those outside of the castle, what is going on here," he said in his low baritone voice that left no room for argument. "If you have plans to use this magic against your fellow students I assure you, you will regret it. I have incorporated a spell in this contract that when you sign it, your intent will be identified and you will be removed from this group and your memories modified," he said coldly, looking directly at some of his Slytherins as well as eyeing Ronald Weasely. "Do not try to hoodwink the ledger either, it will not work. This is Dark Magic that was used to create this and I can guarantee you all that none of you have to knowledge I do."

Some of the Slytherin students looked concerned and looked at each other uncertainly. They all knew that Professor Snape was The Dark Lord's right hand man, until he turned traitor so that spoke volumes for the Potion Masters abilities in Dark Magic. He was dangerous and everyone knew it. Many of them still didn't understand why he was rehired even though he was proven innocent in the murder of Albus Dumbledore. However, now with the realization that this war was simply not going to go away, many of them were starting to feel a sense of relief that he was there.

"Students who wish to participate, please remain. Those who do not, you are free to go and no one will hold it against you. Some of what you all will see is not meant for everyone," McGonagal said.

Harry looked around and watched as some of the Hufflepuff students got up as well as some of the Slytherins. He wasn't surprised about that mainly because Hufflepuff was a house of gentler people and the Slytherins that left didn't look happy so he assumed that they did not want to show their true intent when it came time to sign the ledger. Only four Ravenclaw students left, but surprisingly many students stayed. There were a good sixty or so left of them that seemed to be willing to participate.

"Alright," the Headmistress said, stepping up. Magically appearing in front of her on a small table was a piece of parchment that seemed to vibrate magic as it lay there waiting to be signed. "Come up and sign your name and those of you interested in helping Madam Pompfry, go stand by her. Those of you who Professor Snape wants to train in healing potions will still have the option of learning some of this magic as well as healing so choose where you want to be and he will speak to you once we have everyone sorted."

The students stood, all of them determined to survive this war and protect their friends. Headmistress McGonagal watched proudly as the students signed their names and stood in groups. She was happy to see that Madam Pompfry had 12 students standing with her, because she only had two other nurses on hand. Professor Snape read off the names of the students that he wanted for the Potions course and arranged to meet with them tomorrow after dinner. The teachers eyed Ron Weasley went he went to sign the ledger and to everyone's surprise, the glowing blue signature proved that he was loyal to them and had no ill intent to anyone at that school.

Harry looked at Ginny in surprise and she shrugged looking just as shocked. Perhaps Ron really had changed and realized his mistake after the most recent ordeal. The boy stood in the group taking the defense courses with his head held high, not caring what anyone thought at the moment. Harry watched as some of the Slytherins began to sign and was surprised that they passed as well. He was more surprised when he saw Pansy Parkinson was one of them.

"I thought for sure she wouldn't pass," he whispered to Ginny.

"I think she's safe. She really did love Draco and I think she wants her revenge," Ginny replied softly. "I know I would."

It was a subject that no one liked to bring up anymore. Draco Malfoy was supposed to take the Dark Mark after he killed Dumbledore to prove his loyalty, but he hadn't been able to so Professor Snape had done it. The Dark Lord had been so angry and punished the boy within an inch of his life, but the rumor was that Draco had gotten back up and told the Dark Lord that he wanted no part of what he was doing and told his parents that this was not the life he wanted. Before anyone could say or do anything, he had turned his wand on himself. Several Slytherins had started to question their beliefs after what the blond boy had done and many of them turned against the pureblood ideology. Slytherin house was the one house that was constantly at war with each other because some were still loyal to the Dark Lord and others had turned to the side of the Light. Lucius was so angry that he blamed everyone but himself and still remained at the Dark Lords side. Narcissa, however, killed herself shortly after the death of her son.

Harry was ashamed to admit that it was after that event that he finally gained some respect for the boy. He hadn't realized just what Draco had to go through on a day to day basis with his parents and that deep down, Draco was not the evil person everyone made him out to be. Sure he was an over privileged brat sometimes, but he had grown up that way and didn't know how else he should be. It was in hindsight that Harry wished he could have given Draco a chance.

Once everyone had signed the ledger, it glowed a brilliant blue before disappearing. The teachers were discussing something amongst themselves for a moment while the students whispered to each other excitedly. The thought of war was frightening, but the thrill of learning new magic and how to defend themselves was exhilarating.

"Students," The Headmistress called, quieting everyone. "Tomorrow after dinner, we will begin our first lessons. Those of you with Madam Pompfry will report to the Infirmary and the rest of you will report to the Room of Requirement. Those of you who do not know where that is I will give you a secret kept map that only you and those participating can see. Once the other students left here, they were obliviated, as well as given a false memory that this meeting was regarding students wanting to participate in study groups for upcoming N.E.W.T.S and OWLS. This contract forbids you to speak of what we are doing with anyone except those of us around you. I appreciated all that have stayed and we will do our best to make sure you are prepared for anything that comes our way. Now, the directions to the Room of Requirement have been placed in your pocket and we will see you tomorrow."

With that the students dispersed, talking excitedly and some of them looking at the map that had been magically placed in their pockets. Professor Lupin looked away from the students to Professor Snape who seemed to be staring off into space. He knew that he was concerned about Hermione, they all were.

"Severus?" The dark man snapped out of his thoughts and looked at his colleague. "Have you received no word from Hermione? Anything?" he asked.

"No," Severus said coldly, frustrated with the situation.

"I hope she is alright," Minerva said softly.

"I hope she has an explanation for whatever it is she is doing," The Potions Master said icily.

"I am sure that in her mind, she is doing what she feels must be done," Minerva said. Severus's eyes were glittering with malice.

"I am sure she does feel that way, but that does not make it right. She left without even a clue as to where she was going. How do we know if she is even safe at this point?" he hissed.

"She is very resourceful," Fillius put in.

"Yes, when she is perfectly healthy!" Severus snapped angrily. "However, she has barely been able to do simple charm work, so how would anyone expect her to use defensive spells?! She is weak and malnourished and her magic has not replenished anywhere near where it should.

"Severus has a point," Madam Pompfry added. "This decision was impulsive and considering her current health it was irresponsible. She could be easily killed."

"Well unfortunately there is nothing that we can do about it. The girl is gone and did not tell us where. We already tried looking for a point of apparation, but it would seem that she did not apparate," Minerva sighed, feeling drained and tired. She couldn't help but wonder if the young Gryffindor didn't inform them of what she was doing because of her lack of trust for them all after recent events or if it was really something she had to do on her own.

Harry and Ginny sat together on a window ledge in Gryffindor tower, but away from the students and looked out at the grounds. They were worried for their friend as well and were well aware of Hermione's current health issues. Harry tried to shake the memory his friend lying with her dead parents in a pool of blood, but it was something that would live with him for life unless he decided to have it Obliviated from his memory.

"I hate this…" he whispered. Ginny looked up at him.

"Hate what?" she replied softly.

"Not knowing…not knowing anything," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "Not knowing when this war will happen…not knowing what will happen. Not knowing where Hermione is or if she's ok. I'm just so tired… and I want a normal life for once."

"I know…and I wish I knew what tell you to make it better…but the only thing I can say is that I love you and that I will always be here for you," she replied. Harry looked up at her and really looked at her. Ginny was always there for him. Not once had she faltered. Months he had debated on a good time to tell her, but he just felt that he wanted that romantic moment for her to make it memorable, but right now…there was something about that moment.

"Ginny, I know I don't say it enough…but I love you," he told her, his voice stronger. "I cannot imagine my life without you…and I wanted to wait for that perfect moment, but with everything going on…I can't think of a moment more perfect than now with just me and you." She frowned slightly.

"A perfect moment for what?" she asked in confusion. Harry got down from the window ledge and knelt before her. Ginny felt her heart stop and her eyes go wide as he pulled a small box from his pocket.

"I bought this over the summer and considered asking you around Christmas, but the fight with your brother changed those plans. Ginerva Molly Weasley, it would be an honor if you would marry me. Will you?" Tears streamed down her face and nodded quickly.

"Yes! Of course I will! I love you, Harry," she said sniffing and smiling through the tears. Harry slipped the diamond ring on her finger and stood up to embrace her, holding his fiancée tightly to him.

"I will do my best to win this war and give us both the life we want," he choked out softly, quickly wiping the tear that had fallen down his cheek.

"The life we deserve," she whispered, sitting back to look at him. "I am with you, all the way, no matter what."

"I can't lose you," he told her, looking into her eyes. "I just can't."

"I can't lose you either," she replied.

Harry bent down and kissed her gently, enjoying the taste of her lips. A deep urge to possess her in that moment surged through him and he quickly led her to a dark alcove, and attacked her mouth, surprising her. Ginny groaned in pleasure when she felt him press his hardness against her, pinning her to the wall. Reaching under her skirt, he pulled her panties down just as quickly as he had unbuttoned his pants. Before she had time to grasp what was happening, he lifted her up and pinned her to the wall, impaling her.

"Oh! Harry!" she hissed in pleasure as he relentlessly thrust himself inside her. Her legs wrapped tightly around him as he slid in and out of her wet heat. They had been intimate since the beginning of summer, but it had never been this intense.

Harry managed to pull open her blouse, tearing a few buttons and greedily bent down, pulling one of her pert pink nipples between his lips and sucking hard. She cried out in pleasure and he could feel her tightening around him. He drove into her as fast as he could, feeling the tension between his legs building.

"Harry! I'm gonna-" she gasped, but before she could finish her orgasm hit her and caused all coherent thought to leave her mind. Harry cried out with her as he felt himself empty within her tight wet heat. Both of them panted, but he didn't let her go. Instead, he held her closer.

"I love you, Ginny. I love you so much," he said hoarsely.

"I love you too," she whispered, running her fingers through his hair as she held onto him.

At the end of the corridor, they did not notice the man that was staring at them wide eyed, in shock at what he had just witnessed. Without a word, he spun on his heel and hurried out of the corridor, robes billowing out behind him.