Finding Heather

Year 6 Chapter 21

Author's Notes: Hello all and welcome to the last chapter of Year 6. I want to apologize for the short chapter, and jumping past all the climactic events. Writing it I found that all I was doing was summarizing the events already detailed in the book, there being little to no difference between what Harry did and what Heather might do. Planning has already begun for Deathly Hallows, so hopefully there won't be much delay in bringing it out. Thank you all again for reading and reaching out, its thanks to you that I'm able to finish this story.

Harry Potter doesn't belong to me, its JK Rowling's sandbox, I'm just playing in it.

Chapter Twenty-One

 Despite Heather not being able to play, Gryffindor flattened Ravenclaw. Ginny was tapped to replace her as Seeker, with Dean returning to the team as Chaser. The detention she had with Snape that morning dragged on, with time not seeming to move at all. She had been set the task of copying afresh faded cards detailing the misdeeds of previous troublemakers for Filch. Why he still needed these records when most of the offenses had taken place over twenty years ago, Heather had no clue. It was mindless busy work, made only marginally better at the constant sight of her father's and Sirius' names, often followed by those of Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew.

 On her return to the Common Room that afternoon, full of trepidation at what she would find through the portrait hole, Heather was nearly knocked off her feet by the almost physical explosion of noise at the sight of her. They had won, securing the cup for Gryffindor for the third year in a row.

 It took two weeks for Draco Malfoy to be released from the Hospital Wing. His mother and father had arrived the evening he was wounded, and according to Nearly Headless Nick were out for blood. Professor McGonagall took Heather aside the next day and spent nearly twenty minutes berating her and saying that she felt the punishment from Professor Snape was completely justified.

 All in all, the last few months of her sixth year were not as pleasant as they could have been. Ever since the Easter Holidays, each of their professors had shifted over to preparations for the end-of-year exams. Apologetically, Heather asked for permission from Madam Pomfrey to be released from her post as student aide in the hospital, stating quite honestly that her homework was falling behind. She was saddened having to ask, not only because she was afraid that Madam Pomfrey would relent on their deal, but also because she had come to enjoy working with the matron.

"Of course, Heather." She said kindly "And don't worry, your secret is still safe with me."

 As June arrived and the last vestiges of spring faded, Heather started noticing Hermione and Ron spending more time together, that is to say more time without Heather, than she could ever remember them doing before. Several times she saw the two of the laughing with their heads together out in the grounds or in the library, and once she even thought she caught them holding hands. Choosing to give the newly formed couple their space, Heather spent her spare time with Ginny, who had caught on to what was going on just as Heather did. Though she continued to fake being sick at the thought of her brother and her best friend, Heather could tell that Ginny was okay with the situation. She was certainly more pleased that Ron was with Hermione instead of Lavender.

 Heather waiting patiently for word from Dumbledore, who appeared to be leaving the school almost daily now. She was sure he would find a horcrux soon, and then she would be able to go with him to destroy it. Her hopes were finally answered several weeks later. She was sitting in the library with Hermione and Ron, who were laughing at some shared joke Heather wasn't aware of, when Jimmy Peakes delivered another tightly wrapped scroll of parchment.

Heather,

Please come to my office immediately.

Fondly, Albus Dumbledore.