Their eyes met again, and Harry and Ginny again burst out in laughter, all but confirming Hermione's suspicions. Eventually the two calmed down, and Harry managed to say, "Well after what he said in the common room last weekend, can you really blame us for wanting a little payback?"
Hermione looked back and forth between the two. "No, I guess I can't. He did have it coming after that. I take it that means you told her what he said?" she asked Harry, cocking her head towards Ginny.
"Oh, he told me everything my dear brother said," Ginny responded. "About his suspicions that I was snogging some guy in broom cupboards throughout the school and about his intentions to catch me in the act in some misguided attempt at protecting me. He also told me what the prat said to Harry about his family." She added the last bit almost too quietly to hear.
Hermione's eyes softened noticeably at the comment and looked towards Harry to make sure he was alright. "It was pretty funny," she commented to lighten the mood. It succeeded in sending her two friends into another peal of laughter, and they finished their breakfasts chatting amicably.
Harry was thankful for the lightness of the morning and for the fact that Hermione didn't ask about the H.G. in the hearts on Ron's robes. He sorely needed something to smile and laugh about after the prior night. Thursday morning at breakfast he had received a short letter delivered by a school owl. On it was a short note written to him by the headmaster.
Dear Harry,
Please meet me in my office after dinner tonight. I shall give you a hint for the password. It is a muggle confection that is often referred to as everlasting. I look forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
The note was not completely unexpected. He had actually been expecting a meeting with the Headmaster sooner than this. He had thought the man would take a more active interest in his life and in his classes, but he had not even spoken to the man since their meeting on September the first. They were now over a week into October.
He had to ask Hermione about the password, since he had very little knowledge of muggle sweets, not having had the privilege of being allowed them as a kid. His relatives, Dudley particularly, had always taken great pleasure in denying him such treats, while at the same time gorging themselves. When Halloween came around, Dudley always made a spectacle of himself, showing off all the candy he had received and stuffing his face with it in front of Harry.
Harry had spent the entire day in nervous anticipation. When dinner finally arrived, he ate hurriedly, but didn't leave early because the Headmaster was still present. Once he had left, Harry waited a couple minutes before announcing his own departure. He walked quickly through the hallways and gave the password to the stone gargoyle as he approached. As predicted, the gargoyle sprung aside, revealing the familiar spiral staircase. Harry stepped on, and it spiraled upwards until he was standing in front of the door. As he lifted his hand to knock he heard the Headmaster call, "Come in, Harry."
Harry pushed the door open and strode into the office. It looked more or less the same as it had every other time he had seen it. The former headmasters and headmistresses were all pretending to sleep in their portraits. The room was filled with various silver instruments that all seemed to be doing something, though what Harry could not say.
Fawkes was atop his elegant perch watching his progress into the room. "Good evening Headmaster, Fawkes," Harry called as he strode into the room. He stopped to stroke the brightly plumed bird before proceeding to the chair which the Headmaster gestured him to.
"Good evening Harry," he greeted. "I take it you had no difficulties determining the password?" His eyes twinkled in delight at the thought of the muggle sweet.
"Actually I have Hermione to thank for that," Harry corrected. "I was never really allowed sweets growing up with the Dursley's, so I'm only familiar with a few muggle candies."
Dumbledore's eyes dimmed slightly as he replied, "That's too bad. I've always said that one should be allowed to rot one's teeth to one's own delight before your permanent ones sink in. To miss out on the opportunity is a travesty."
"Yes, well there are a lot worse things to miss out on than candy," Harry mumbled under his breath.
"Did you say something, Harry?" the old man questioned.
"No, sir," Harry replied evenly. "I was wondering if you had any updates on what Voldemort is up to. I haven't had a vision since over summer, and the papers haven't had anything lately. I'm worried that he's planning something big."
"Alas, I fear you are correct," the Headmaster replied with a sigh. "There has been very little movement to go off of, but I fear that the start of the war is quickly approaching."
"What is the Order doing to prepare? Have you been able to recruit new members now that the Ministry has finally come around?" Harry asked eagerly.
"I'm sorry Harry, but I cannot discuss Order business with a non-member," he replied gravely.
....
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