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Chapter Text

The Break-Up

With Dumbledore’s death, the Order of the Phoenix rotated safehouses in which they held their meetings, as Number 12 Grimmauld Place was no longer safe. Fred and George had joined now that they left school, and half of Ginny’s family was now in the Order. It seemed impossible in the current climate that they would all make it out alive.

Indeed she could see that fear most clearly in her mother. Molly, usually fierce, boisterous, and chatty, became withdrawn and anxious. Her face seemed to develop new lines of worry overnight, leaving her heavily wrinkled. A frown was permanently etched on her face, and she had even been glancing toward the hill in the orchard as she worked in the kitchen, to where, Ginny knew, her brothers were buried after the First Wizarding War.

While not directly in the Order, Ginny had a supply of Extendible Ears, and had weaseled enough information out of her brothers to have a general idea of what was going on. Lately they had been meeting about how to collect Harry now that the Ministry was restricting the Floo Network, tracking Apparation, and had possibly infiltrated the ministry. The meetings were long and tense, filling Ginny with worry. At night she tossed and turned, thinking everything over in her mind. Her dreams took her back to those blissful days by the lake with Harry, such a stark contrast to her reality now. 

At last, days before Harry’s birthday, the Order was moving him. Ginny and Molly waited anxiously at the Burrow. Their entire family was out there, with several disguised as Harry, all of them risking life and limb traveling the skies tonight.

Harry; every time she thought about him, grief and longing filled her chest. It was cruel how little time they had together, after waiting so long to be together. Ginny had to shake these thoughts away, or tears filled her eyes. Of course there was so much to worry about now, no one questioned her spending more time in her room, crying at random intervals, or becoming more withdrawn. Ron was the only one who had known what happened and checked in on her. Her parents were too worried about bigger issues with the Order to notice.

The atmosphere in the Burrow was tense. Ginny kept glancing at the clock where all nine hands were marked “mortal peril” to make sure none moved to something worse. Molly was wringing her hand on her apron, pacing back and forth, glancing anxiously out the window every few minutes. When it was time for the portkeys, she and Ginny snuck into the yard. Ginny scarcely breathed, waiting, waiting, waiting. And then a blue glow appeared with a rusty can, but it arrived alone. 

“I don’t understand,” Molly said, picking it up, her face ghostly white. 

“Who was supposed to be back first?” Ginny asked in a quiet voice.

“Ron and Tonks," she replied just as quietly. The silence was deafening. Ginny looked into her Mother’s eyes which reflected her own fear. Ginny squeezed her hand reassuringly. Several long minutes later, a blue sneaker came into view, causing them both to gasp, before dropping to the ground next to the rusty can. 

Molly closed her eyes, tears leaking out of the corner. 

“Was that Dad and Fred’s?” Ginny asked, dread filling her, consuming every part of her. Her mother nodded. Her heart thumped loudly, fear her only companion. Next was supposed to be Harry, Ginny knew, for she memorized that he was portkey number three. She could feel her hand glistening with sweat as she clung to her mother like a lifeline. Neither of them spoke. 

A blue hairbrush glowed and Harry and Hagrid appeared. Ginny ran forward as Molly screamed next to her. 

“Harry? You are the real Harry? What happened? Where are the others?” cried Molly, desperate for information about her family. 

“What d’you mean? Isn’t anyone else back?” Harry panted. The answer was clearly etched in Mrs. Weasley’s pale face. 

“The Death Eaters were waiting for us,” Harry told her. “We were surrounded the moment we took off–they knew it was tonight–I don’t know what happened to anyone else, four of them chased us, it was all we could do to get away, and then Voldemort caught up with us–”

“Thank goodness you’re all right, ” she heard her mother say, wrapping him into a bear hug (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pgs 67-68). 

Ginny’s eyes found Harry’s green ones as her mother dashed back into the house. Ginny launched into explanation, relieved he was safe, that he made it here in one piece. Her stomach was still in knots, not knowing what happened to the others, waiting for the rest of the portkeys. 

Another blue light appeared in the yard, and Lupin appeared heavily supporting George. Ginny gasped as Harry ran forward, both of them with shocked faces as they took in the blood soaked face of George. They dashed into the house, laying him on the couch. 

Lupin grabbed Harry firmly by the arm, throwing him up against the wall and drew his wand. “Answer me” he screamed dangerously. 

Harry stammered, “A grindylow,” surprise showing on his face. Lupin let him go roughly. Obviously, someone had betrayed them, but who? Ginny could have told Remus that this was the real Harry without questioning him. His eyes, so vibrant and green, held so much emotion in them, his love for her so plain in them, twinkling despite their break-up. Don't think about that , her mind chided, but who was she kidding? Loving Harry was as easy as breathing, and something she did without conscious thought. Ginny only half listened as Harry recounted his journey here, how Voldemort had flown after him. 

The others trickled in, one by one, as Ginny and her mom worked to clean George’s face. Harry walked back in and she looked at him. She could see the inner war behind his eyes, he always did wear his emotions on his sleeve. Ginny could tell Harry wanted to embrace her, but was holding himself back, no doubt due to breaking things off with her to protect her. The noble git. 

But then the arrival of her brother and Phlegm brought the worst news: Mad-eye, dead. It seemed surreal, Mad-eye, fierce and powerful, he seemed untouchable. And now at last, defeated. A slight buzzing filled her head, shock blocking out the rest of Bill’s story about what happened. The desire to run, to escape filled Ginny more strongly with each passing moment. When Bill passed around the Firewhiskey, she took some despite not being of age. Molly was so distraught, she didn’t object. The burning helped dull the ache of loss inside her. As people departed in ones and twos, Ginny was left feeling the war was finally really here, and wondering morbidly, if she would see them all again or if this was good-bye. It was a thought that haunted her long into the night as she tossed and turned in her bed, terrible visions filling her dreams with nightmares. Fear clenched her heart and refused to let go. 

Chapter Text

The Burrow

Ginny and the others were kept very busy in the coming days, cleaning, cooking, and preparing for her brother’s wedding. She watched her mum carefully, noticing that she didn’t leave the trio alone to conspire for longer than five minutes.

Harry helped without complaint but his body language gave him away. He wore his familiar tension in his shoulders and in the tick of his jaw tightening. Most recently, Molly has asked him and her together to set the table, unaware of the awkwardness between the two. Ginny watched Harry as he laid out plates, distracted from his task. He must have felt her watching him, because he looked at her with those emerald eyes, and quirked an eyebrow. 

“ I think Mum thinks that if she can stop the three of you getting together and planning, she’ll be able to delay you leaving,” Ginny told Harry in an undertone, as they laid the table for dinner on the third night of his stay.

“And then what does she think’s going to happen?” Harry muttered. “Someone else might kill off Voldemort while she’s holding us here making vol-au-vents?”

Ginny felt her face drain of its color and a cold chill filled her. She watched him carefully. 

“ So it’s true,” Ginny whispered, terrified. “That’s what you’re trying to do?”

“I–not–I was joking ,” Harry said, stuttering. Ginny stared at him. He was such a liar, she thought. But Merlin, she hoped he wasn't hunting Voldemort. It was not lost on her that they had not spent any time alone since their break up, and this was their first conversation. Ginny had a strong inkling that Harry had naturally dropped his guard with her, as he had so often done in recent months, and found himself having to put on the mask he wore with others. It sent a pain through her like a knife, stabbing her heart in fresh waves of grief. Ginny’s mind wandered to those heavenly moments of time with Harry, longing for them anew. Suddenly her father, Kingsley and Bill walked in, causing Harry and Ginny to both jump. Ginny carefully avoided Harry’s eyes, and escaped to her room, trying to sort through the jumble of competing and conflicting emotions that had become her new normal. 

The next day, Ginny woke up with a half formed plan in her mind. If Harry was leaving, if he might not come back, despite the raging war in her mind screaming at her not to think that, she wanted him to have something to remember her by. She wanted him to know how much she loved him, despite them being broken up. While Hermione and Ginny changed the sheets on her parents bed, preparing for the Delacour's arrival, she launched her plan. 

“Hermione, do you think you could distract Ron tomorrow for me,” Ginny began as she tucked the sheets between the mattress and frame of the bed. Hermione paused her own tucking to look at her, a bewildered expression on her face. 

“Distract Ron? What are you going to do?” Hermione said, raising an eyebrow. 

“I wanted to give Harry his birthday present,” Ginny said, her cheeks heating slightly, but she stuck her chin out defiantly, daring Hermione to goad her. 

“Which is, what exactly?" Hermione asked softly, her eyes full of something like pity. Ginny hated when people pitied her; it made her skin crawl with an itchy feeling that reminded her too much of her first year at Hogwarts. 

“I was going to kiss him, relieve some of our finer moments by the lake, or hidden around the castle,” Ginny replied.

Hermione put up her hands, “He’s like my brother. I don’t want to know, but I’ll do my best. Just be careful, for both of you.”

Ginny nodded, resuming her fluffing of a pillow, not quite meeting Hermione’s eyes. Long after Hermione left the room, a warning rang in her head, just be careful, for the both of you, on repeat. Although she’s mad at Harry for breaking up with her, she gets it. And some deep dark place of her knows that he still holds a torch for her, and she still loves him too. She wonders vaguely if knowing they love each other but were forced to separate versus realizing they don’t work together is easier or not; in some ways it feels more cruel. 

She watches him bagging mints for favors next to Ron, whispering as they work, and just seeing him here in her house fills her with equal parts joy and sorrow. Ginny just wants him out, but then, she knows that once he’s gone she’ll miss him like a lost limb, and that he’ll be in danger. 

She keeps going back and forth about whether she wants to be around him and pretend they're nothing or wants him gone so her heart doesn’t ache at the mere sight of him. Ginny’s no stranger to taking what she can get, and clearly she’s a glutton for punishment as she stands in the shadow of the doorway, watching him wrap a ribbon around his wand, muttering the enchantment and curling it. As Harry plops the completed bag into the box, he looks over his shoulder, catching her staring at him. Ginny gives him a tight smile, noticing Ron’s eyes flitting between them, a frown etched on his face. Harry smiles back, the twinkle in his eyes for a moment before he refocuses on his work, the light fading as quickly as it came. Brief, like their time together; a spark, a raging fire, and then nothing at all. But every time she looks at him, that spark rekindles in her, but Ginny keeps smothering it out before it can catch again. She’s not naïve, she has a vague idea of what the trio are going to do, with a dash more of fear since Harry’s slip-up last night.

Which brings her to tomorrow. She starts thinking about how she’s going to get him to kiss her, to give him her gift. Some part of her wants Harry to remember her, to come back to her when this is all over. And all Ginny can do is hope fervently.

Chapter Text

The Icing on the Cake

July 31, 1997

Ginny woke the next morning, stretching through a large yawn, and gets out of bed with a purpose. She dresses carefully, taking care to add a touch of makeup and smooth out her hair, leaving it down to dance over her shoulders the way Harry likes it best. 

Just as she’s checking her work in her mirror, Ginny hears Harry creak down the stairs to breakfast with a chorus of “Happy Birthdays” from the voices of her mum, Hermione, and Ron. She doesn’t join them. Her stomach feels like it’s on a roller coaster, rolling unpleasantly. Ginny paces in her room, waiting for them to finish, thinking through her plan. 

She peaks through the crack of her door several times, watching Harry open his presents.  She can help but stare at his smile, and when he embraces her mum, a rush of affection floods her middle like a warm cup of tea. As Harry begins to follow Hermione upstairs, Ginny steps onto the landing outside her door and says, 

“Harry, can you come in here for a moment?”

If the situation was so serious, she might have found his shocked expression funny. Ginny loved the endearing way he wore his feelings on his sleeve. 

She closed the door with a snap behind her, and turned to face him. Harry muttered something bizarre about the view, pulling his hair at the back, his nervous tick. Ginny ignored him, they banter almost like old times, except there's a pain in Harry's eyes that was never there when they flirted. And then they are kissing. Sweet Merlin he's good at that. It feels familiar, comfortable, heavenly. The kiss deepens, sending tingles to the rest of her body, and just as they are really sinking into it, thoughts of taking off her clothes flash through her mind as her brother crashes in, ending her last chance with Harry. 

As they all leave her room, Ginny lays on her bed and sobs bitterly. She doesn't know how to say good-bye, nor does she want to. It's cruel how little time they've had together after dreaming about it for so long. All she's left with are memories, and a broken heart. 

But in a house with more and more people as the wedding draws nearer, Ginny is hardly tempted to resume anything with him, nor does she get the chance.

That evening she chats with Remus and Tonks, and her numerous brothers as they celebrate Harry's Birthday. It's a beautiful night, warm and lazy, with good company and family. So good she can almost forget that their days are numbered until she returns to school in a month's time. 

But then they're all off to bed unusually early in preparation for the wedding tomorrow, and Ginny lays in her bed, alone once more, listening to Hermione's soft breathing. Despite the full house, she’s alone with her thoughts once more. 

Chapter Text

The Wedding

The next day is a flurry of activities. First Ginny showers, has her hair, makeup, and nails done under the watchful eyes of both her mother and Fleur. Only when Fleur and her mother go to get their own dresses on does she get any reprieve, for which she's grateful. 

Ginny doesn’t see Harry until she’s walking down the aisle, but despite his disguise, she sees the admiration in his eyes. And when rude old Muriel makes a comment about her dress, she can’t help winking at Harry. Flirting with him is second nature to her at this point, and she stands by her assertion that she wants him to have something happy to think about when he’s off doing Merlin knows what soon.

After the wedding, she dances with each of her brothers. She’s happy, and she tries to enjoy these moments, but she can feel Harry’s eyes following her around the tent. It’s an itchy feeling that buzzes under her skin; Ginny would feel flattered if it wasn’t for their break up.

After dancing with Lee and Victor of all people, she’s just about to pluck up the courage to  ask Harry to dance, when a streak of blue darts to the center of the dance floor, and silence falls over the crowd. Everyone turns to look at the lynx as it says: “ The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming. ¹” 

There's screaming, people frantically running, apparating just beyond the wards. Chairs are knocked over in the scuffle, spells fly about the tent, and Death Eaters march in.  Fear, clenches her heart as she looks around desperately, waiting to see if the trio have gotten away...if Harry got away. A blast of fire explodes nearby, knocking Ginny off her feet. 

As she comes back to, her head is throbbing as she sits up. 

“I heard you're Potter's bitch” a muffled voice says nearby, barely audible over the ringing in her ears. “Take the blood traitor for a little interview.” 

And then Ginny feels a pair of hands roughly dragging her away from the others. She tries to put up a fight, but she’s dazed and the hands are strong. Ginny finds herself half pulled, half pushed to the center of the dance floor where moments before they were celebrating the happiest day of Bill's life. 

“No, take me instead,” says a terrified voice. Her Dad gets punched in the gut, the Cruciatus is performed on him, screams piercing the night, as Molly sobs. Another masked Death Eater grabs the bride, twisting her arm behind her back, threatening Bill, who's scarred face looks murderous. 

“Where's Potter?” a masked Death Eater sneers.

“I don't know,” Ginny says quietly, her heart racing. The sting of the slap across her face makes her eyes blur with tears, although it hardly surprises her.

“Liar!” He shouts, his face inches from her own. Ginny smells his petruid breath.

The fear in the tent is palpable. And then the pain envelops her, and all thought leaves her mind. Pain stabs and stretches her body, forcing Ginny to notice the throbbing of agony. A scream or two rips through the night but she's too consumed by the curse to know where it's coming from. 

“Stop, please,” Molly screams like a wounded animal, begging a Death Eater. As the curse lifts, Ginny finds herself panting on the ground, her muscles quaking. 

“You're together! You know where he is,” the Death Eater yells, lowering his face menacingly close to hers.

“He broke up with me,” Ginny says through tears.  They laugh coldly. 

“A pretty little blood traitor like you, not good enough for him?” another man sneers, as the curse crashes over her again. More screaming, her brothers yelling, Ginny close to wishing to die. Let it end, she thinks, please.

“Please,” she says, tears running down her cheeks. The curse lifts again, and after pulling in a few deep breaths, Ginny manages to speak. “I don't know where he is. He broke my heart.”  

They push Fleur next to Ginny. Fleur looks right at Ginny, her eyes sad, and squeezes her hand. “It's okay,” she whispers, head high defiantly. 

“Where is Harry Potter?” they ask Fleur.

“We do not know. He was not at the wedding. Ask anyone.” Fleur does not flinch or look away. Ginny can’t help but admire her strength at a time like this.

Several Death Eaters push a couple guests toward them that were apprehended before they could apparate away, and Ginny is thankful “Barney” was disguised, that the trio got away. 

Lee Jordan falls to his knees as they push him roughly, landing next to several of Fleur's cousins, who look terrified. 

“So,” they ask again, “Where is Harry Potter?”

“He wasn't here,” Lee says, eyes diverted. A man grabs his face roughly, forcing him to look at him. Ginny notices that blood is dripping down into an eye from a cut on Lee's forehead.

One of the girls says something in French, that a masked Death Eater replies too, however the girls must have confirmed what they said, because the questions stop. Several Death Eaters pace around the group, watching carefully, like a predator hunting its prey.

“We'll be stopping by to check that he's not here from time to time, and be warned, there's a ten thousand galleon price on his head, so contact with Potter is a lifetime sentence to Azkaban.”

No one says anything after that pronouncement. Perhaps to show they’re serious, they give Fleur and Ginny another slap across the face each, push them down, and then walk away. Just when Ginny thinks it over, the Cruciatus rips through her again, leaving her writhing on the ground, Fleur and her, a macabre duet of screaming. Then Ginny hears the pops of apparition and they're gone for real. Ginny looks into Fleur’s eyes and sees the tear tracks, both of them shaking from the after effects of the curse. Ginny reaches out Fleur's hand, the squeeze from Fleur fainter this time.

Molly runs to Ginny, embracing her, and only then do the tears fall. Bill is sobbing into Fleur’s hair.

“I'm okay,” Fleur says, rubbing his back. Her hair is falling roughly out of its elegant bun, her dress ripped in places.  Ginny feels herself shaking so badly it takes both twins to brace her and help her into the house.

“Is Dad okay?” Ginny asks as Fred and George tuck her in with a blanket on the couch. 

“He's alright,” Fred says, furry radiating from every inch of him. 

“Are you?” George asks, worry in his eyes, holding her hand. 

Ginny looks at them through her swollen eye, and replies, “I'm okay, especially knowing he's safe.”

They nod. 

“We know you're made of tough stuff,” Fred said.

“But that was still awful to watch,” George continued. 

“We love you Ginny.” They said together. 

She hugs them both tightly, fear blooming in her chest. A few moments later, a shadow cross the room, and her Dad sinks to his knees, and gently brushes the hair out of her eyes. 

“I am so sorry Ginny,” he says sadly, looking defeated. “You were so brave.”

And then he sobs against her, wailing terribly. Ginny, who can count the times she's seen her Dad cry, cries with him, something breaking within her, clutching him tightly against her. Ginny hopes with everything she has they'll all make it out okay. 

For the first time since Harry broke up with her, she feels the weight of the war, the implications for her own safety, for that of her family. And with everything she has, with every fiber of her being, Ginny hopes that Harry’s safe, whereever he is with Ron and Hermione. 

Chapter Text

Between the Lines

The morning of August 3rd, Ginny’s awoken to the sound of raised voices.  She can make out the muffled urgency of her mother’s voice, she’d know that raised voice anywhere. What’s more distressing is that her father’s voice is also raised.

She hesitates behind her door, trying to decide whether she should interrupt when the shouting stops. Deciding the coast is clear, Ginny walks down the steps, but another unwelcome noise meets her ears, her mother’s sobs.

“Molly Wobbles, it’s different this time,” she hears her father whisper, and she sees him envelop her mum to his chest. He kisses the crown of her curly red locks.

“I can’t– I can’t lose anyone again,” she chokes out, her voice muffled by his sweater. It takes a few moments for her to compose herself, and then her father kisses her again with a hurried, “I love you,” and is off to work. Ginny walks in as her mum is wiping her eyes on the corner of her apron.

“You okay, Mum?” she asks tentatively. “I heard–loud voices.” Ginny sees the heading of the Daily Profit and feels her pulse quicken as horror washes over her, She snatches the paper off the table as she reads:

“Severus Snape, long-standing Potions master at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was today appointed Headmaster in the most important of several staffing changes at the ancient school. Following the resignation of the previous Muggle Studies teacher, Alecto Carrow will take over the post while her brother, Amycus, fills the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. “I welcome the opportunity to uphold our finest Wizarding traditions and values–” ¹

Anger boils under her skin like acid. “How can he take Dumbledore’s position when he’s a murderer?!” Ginny shouts, enraged. Molly looks into her eyes with a pleading look in them. 

“Ginny dear, sit down,” she says softly, summoning some tea to them. It’s the quiet tone of voice and weary look in her eyes that hastens her to obey. Ginny watches the teapot, and cups zoom across the kitchen, landing gently on the worn table. Neither say anything while they pour their tea and add cream and sugar. Her mother summons some scones, then her mum takes her time adding butter and jam. Ginny waits on pins and needles, preparing herself for whatever her mother has to tell her, but her mum is acting so out of the ordinary it's scaring Ginny a little bit. 

“Ginny, one of the things that I love so very much about you is your fierce tenacity. When I look at you, I see myself,” she said, smiling and cupping Ginny’s cheek with her hand. “Things have changed. The ministry has been infiltrated by the Death Eaters. Hogwarts is now compulsory for all students, and the Muggleborn registry is starting tomorrow. Things are dangerous, and you will have to learn to control that fire. It’s not easy, but it is the most important thing I can tell you.”

“Mum,” Ginny said, trying to interrupt her.

“No, Ginny, please,” her Mum said holding up her hands. “We are all in danger. They’re watching our family, and they’ll be waiting for us to make a mistake, to show our true alliances. We are already known blood traitors, and it’s a matter of time before we will be forced into hiding, but right now we can do more for the Order and to protect Harry, Ron, and Hermione by going about business as usual. But I am scared, we all are.”

“Do you think it will be dangerous at Hogwarts?”

“Yes. The Carrows are Death Eaters. You will have to be careful at school too and we won’t be able to communicate with you, anything could give us away.”

Ginny nods, holds her Mum’s hand in her own and says, “I’ll try to be careful. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Molly says, eyes swimming with tears. “Dad is taking you tomorrow to get your registry card with your blood status.”

Ginny nodded, hugging her mom tightly. The fear in the room is tangible as Ginny’s mind whirls with all the new information she’s received. And for the first time in a long time, she’s not looking forward to going to school, especially without her brothers, without Harry.  

But that night as she lay in bed, her mind too busy for sleep, she remembers the Death Eaters at the wedding, their silver masks and long black cloaks, the way they rounded everyone up, separated them, and threatened them. She’ll never forget the way the Cruciatus ripped through her body, three times in a row, as they asked about Harry.  The sounds of her brother’s protests, her father howling and crying while she was tortured were sounds she would not forget anytime soon; she was not aware her dad could make such a horrible noise. If she didn’t before, Ginny understood now why Harry broke up with her. 

After tossing and turning for several hours, she opened up her book for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Her brothers had given her invisible ink for her birthday this year, and she grabbed it, along with her quill. Ginny opened the book to Chapter One: Protective Enchantments, and began in small cramped writing, between the lines of text. Fred explained that as she wrote the ink will fade, invisible, as if she’d never written them at all. 

“But Revelio or Apracium won’t work to undo the enchantment,” George warned. “This ink is special, a little design of our own. In order to make it work, you’ve got to transform the item you’ve written in, into a diary to read it.”

“So mind you don’t actually write in a diary,” Fred said, winking. 

“Maybe some other book or something no one would suspect,” George said, nodding toward the textbook with a smile.

She had hugged them both, tightly. The twins were the only two she confided in about the whole story of Tom Riddle’s diary in her first year, and how writing was cathartic for her. After the Chamber and that awful summer, George was the one who sat with her as she wrote for a week afterwards, afraid she’d be possessed again. It was the greatest gift they had given her; confidence in the safety and healing powers of writing, and a way to do so among the chaos and fear of the year.

Ginny looked down, and begans writing: 

Chapter One: Protective Enchantments

August 3rd, 1997

A Witch or Wizards’ greatest line of first defense can be 

I thought when I was possessed and controlled by Tom that that would be my worst year

simple charms and enchantments used to protect one’s place of 

at Hogwarts, but it turns out it might be this one. Not only has Voldemort infiltrated the

residence. While many wand carriers have moved away from such 

Ministry, he has infiltrated Hogwarts. I’ve never seen my parents so afraid; it’s a little 

practices, there is something to be said about a first line of 

unnerving. In just a month, I have to pretend to be someone I’m not for my own safety,

defense, after all, if an unknown Wizard is unable to gain access 

and that of my family. I guess that that works begins now; I will have to lie about Harry

to a space, they are unable to engage you in wand warfare and 

and convince everyone that he meant nothing to me, that he used me. If the Carrows 

overpower you.  One such example that is used in common

believe me, I might be safe. But, I’m not sure I can lie about something that couldn’t be

wizarding areas of Britain where there are many Muggles, such as 

farther from the truth. Harry is a part of me, and I could no sooner forget about him than

London, is “Repello Muggletum” which forces Muggles away, and 

I could stop loving him. I can’t put him in the past when my present is so full of him. I 

obscures their vision to seeing signs and/or entrances to the Wizarding World. 

love him, and some part of me always will, no matter what I say. Which is why I have to  hide these facts,

tuck them away, and push them from my mind. It’s the only way to protect myself and everyone I love. 

An overview of these basic spells are listed below, and each one 

So in the next month I have to come up with my story, and wear it like a mask for the next year. This year is about surviving

will be explained in further detail as the chapter continues: 

and playing the game. This diary will be my only confidant, my only friend.

Protego Maximum: Stronger protection spell than a basic shield charm.

Salvio Hexia: Protective enchantments that repel spells and hexes from a specified area.

Fiante Duri: This spell strengthens other protective enchantments. It is used best with Protego Maximum and Salivo Hexia.

Monitus Toltem*: Otherwise known as the "intruder alarm", this spell mimic the muggle alarm system, alerting the caster to intrusion.

Imperturbable Charm: This spell makes an object impenetrable and muffles sound, casting privacy for the caster. 

Fidelius Charm: A lesser known, complex charm used to conceal places or secrets inside an individual's soul (called the "Secret Keeper"). Once casted, the area or secret is invisible, unplottable, and sound proof. One those that the Secret Keeper has revealed the secret to can know of it's existence.

My only hope is that it will be enough, and that Harry will come back safely to me once 

The incantation for overall protection, “Protego Maxima” is achieved by the wand motion of a wave of the wand

he and the others have completed their mission and defeated Voldemort.

 from left to  right, pointed at the desired area of protection. This ensures

Ginny dropped her quill and hid her ink once more. She carefully tucked her book back into her trunk, away from her quills to prevent any suspicions about what she was doing with it. Her mind was blissfully blank after getting all the swirling ideas out of her head and onto paper. Ginny closed her eyes, and quickly drifted off to sleep. 

****

The next morning Ginny dressed through a haze of tiredness, up before the sun has risen, preparing to go with her Dad to work. She has a quick cup of tea with her mom in silence, too sleepy to talk, before following him to the yard. 

“Ginny,” her Dad says, putting an arm out to stop her as she walks across the yard. “Things are different at the Ministry now. There are people watching, it’s important to not react to what you see, to keep your head down. Do you understand?”

“Yes Daddy,” she said, the fear in his eyes filling her with a sense of foreboding. Everyone kept warning her about the dangers they were all in, and it was starting to give her anxiety. Her Dad smiled at her, trying to ease her fears, but the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. 

“Okay then,” Arthur says. “When in doubt, stick to the facts and curse them in your mind. It’s what I do.”

Ginny can’t help but chuckle at that. She follows him to the edge of the protections, climbing the hill, then taking his hand before he apparates them to the Ministry entrance. There are people bustling here and there, the streets busy with morning traffic. Ginny lengthens her stride to keep up with her Dad’s long legs. He hands her a gold coin, says, “See you once we’re inside,” and walks into the men’s room. 

Ginny walks to the women’s room, closing the stall door, and climbing into the toilet. Her high tops remain dry, impervious to the water. Taking a deep breath she pulls the lever, and is transported in. The feeling is similar to apparition, she notes, as she steps out of the fireplace, and finds her father standing there, waving at her. They walk across the tile, cramped by people coming to work, and memos flying around above them. The statue is different, a collection of wizards and witches in their proper place, standing on a slab that is crushing Muggles. Ginny feels a prickle on her neck, like someone is watching her, but with so many people, it’s impossible to tell who has their eyes on her. She follows her Dad, getting jostled by the crowd. As they near the lifts, a collection of wanted posters hangs from the ceiling as if held by an invisible string. The largest with the bold heading Undesirable No. 1 at the bottom, makes her heart drop into her stomach. Ginny sucks in a breath, staring at a picture of Harry. Tears prickle at the corners of her eyes as they tuck into the lift, but she remembers her mum’s pleas and tries to school her features. She takes one breath in, two, three, and tries to calm her racing heart.

They get off at Level 2, following signs to the Improper Use of Magic Office. The heading alone is enough to make her blood boil, but nothing makes her madder than seeing the toadish face of Dolorus Umbridge in her ridiculous pink suit. She’s sitting at a desk to the side, watching the preceding before her with a hungry gleam in her eyes. 

There are four different lines, set up alphabetically. The cues of students are of varying ages, all accompanied by anxiously looking parents. Ginny and her Dad wait in line marked for last names Q-Z. A clerk hands them a clipboard that Arthur begins filling out as they wait. After twenty minutes they reach the front of the line, and a bored wizard sitting behind a desk asks for their forms. He looks them all over, then begins filling out a card:

Blood Status Card

Name: Ginevra M. Weasley

DOB: 8/11/81

Blood Status: Pureblood            Confirmed: 8/3/97

The man takes a red circular stamp and presses it over the information. The words on the outside of the stamp reads “Magic is Might” and the image in the middle is a Large MOM with a wand underneath. 

“This is your Blood Status Card,” the man begins in monotone, clearly having memorized this little speech. “Keep it with you at all times. If you are stopped, showing this card will prevent you from being taken to Azkaban or being brought to the Ministry. It is also required in order to attend Hogwarts this fall, which is compulsory for all students.”

Ginny waited next to her father as he got a card for himself and mum. When they were done, they passed other families waiting, and walked back toward the lifts. 

A thousand questions flitted around in Ginny’s brain. What was happening to the Muggles? What if they refused to join the Muggleborn registration? Would they really be taken to Azkaban? How was the Ministry getting away with this? 

As these questions bombarded her she looked around out of the corners of her eyes. Everyone’s eyes were downcast, people scurrying to their locations without interacting, afraid, not knowing who to trust. 

They rode the lift back to the Atrium, through the throng of posters with familiar faces, Harry’s face glaring at her the whole way until they were to the fires, free. Arthur walked her back down the hill and into the Burrow’s protective enchantments, then hurried back out to go to work. 

Molly was at the sink, washing dishes, watching anxiously at the window. 

“Oh Ginny dear,” she said, bringing her into a hug, “Not too much trouble?”

Ginny shook her head, not sure how to convey the somber atmosphere, the horrific posters, the crawling feel of being watched, and the palpable fear that demanded to be felt at the Ministry.

“It was fine,” she settled on. Molly gave her a tight smile and started making a pot of tea.

Ginny realized what her mom meant now, about having to wear a mask in public to keep safe, to push down her feelings. Everything was feeling very real, for some reason going and seeing the climate in person was much different than hearing the Order reports. Dread and anxiety pulled her attention from the present; she was worried about returning to Hogwarts. And on top of it, she couldn’t help but wonder where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were, if they were okay.

“Mum, could I go fly for a little bit?” she asked, putting her cup in the sink. 

“Sure dear. Just mind the boundaries,” Molly said, glancing out the window. Ginny nodded and headed to the broomshed. She was itching to escape it all, to get back on a broom where everything made sense. The feel of the fresh wind on her face, the exhilaration of flight calmed her nerves. After several circles around the orchard and running through a few drills, she hovered in mid-air, closing her eyes. And for the first time in days, she felt at peace. 

****

Ginny wiped her brow as she trekked into the kitchen for lunch. Molly was standing by the window like she’s been checking that Ginny’s safe every few moments. 

“Your OWL results came dear,” Molly says, pointing to her post. Ginny sighed, with a shaky hand, opening her results.

Ordinary Wizarding Owl Results

Pass Grades    Fail Grades

Outstanding (O)                                  Poor (P)

Exceeds Expectations (E)                  Dreadful (D)

Acceptable (A)                                     Troll (T)

Ginevra Molly Weasley has achieved :

Astronomy                                 A

Care of Magical Creatures          O

Charms                                       E

Defense Against the Dark Arts    O

Muggle Studies                           A

Herbology                                   E

History of Magic                         A

Potions                                       E

Transfiguration                           E

After a long moment, Ginny smiled. It took her a moment to realize it's the first time she smiled in days, which dampens her mood only slightly.

“How’d you do, dear?” Molly asks, watching her carefully.

“Really well!” Ginny replied, eagerly handing the results to her. 

“Oh Ginny dear, nine owls, I’m so proud! These are excellent results!” Molly said, a true smile lighting up her face too. “We’ll need a proper celebration. Perhaps we can invite Tonks and Remus over? Luna and her father too?”

Ginny nods eagerly as her mother checks the pantry for supplies and starts planning the evening. She snucks upstairs for a quick shower, drying her hair carefully and picking out a cute outfit before settling in at her desk. She muttered the enchantment to reveal the hidden compartment in her bottom desk drawer that hides her invisible ink and quill, and pulls out her DADA book.

She writes August 4, 1997, halfway through chapter 1 on protective enchantments, pausing before continuing between the lines in the text:

Being at the ministry today to get my blood status card was eye-opening. The feeling of despair was evident from the huge wanted posters of Undesirable Number One, to the quiet and downcast eyes of the workers, to that foul bitch lording over the procession of people getting their blood status checked, setting a rather somber tone. 

To say I'm anxious to return to Hogwarts is a huge understatement. Mum was rather proud of my nine owls, as was I, but will it matter this year? I suppose they would say pretending to study is part of the game we have to play to survive, to fight Voldemort, and preparing to protect myself being a strong benefit, but will the Death Eaters teaching DADA and Muggle Studies really help us arm ourselves? Or will this year be full of fear and brainwashing as I saw in the ministry? Either way, I refuse to take all of this laying down without a fight. If there’s anything my brothers and being a Gryffindor has taught me, it’s that we don’t go quietly without a fight. And I owe it to myself, to Harry, to fight these small battles at school to undermine anything the Death Eaters are hoping to accomplish.

I might not be in the thick of it like Bill, Charlie, my Dad, or like the trio, but I want to do something. I can’t live with myself if I do nothing, but I have to be smart about it after Mum’s warning. Perhaps Luna would be a good sounding board. 

“GINNY!” Her mum called up to her. “Luna’s here!” 

Ginny hid her ink and quill, recasting the enchantments on the hidden compartment, and storing her textbook back into her trunk. She smiled at herself in the mirror before running to embrace her friend. 

“Luna!” Ginny cried, “I’m so glad you’re here!”

“It’s lovely to see you Ginny!” Luna replied, hugging her fiercely. Darkness was coming, but for now, Ginny was thankful to spend time with her friend, away from it all, a little longer.

Chapter Text

Sept 1, 1997

The trip to Kings Cross Station was drab and tense this year. Her parents decided to use side-along apparition as it was safer. The compressing tightness hardly registered for Ginny as she was used to the feeling all the time now. 

Her mum had been quiet for a month, but even more so today, and her red rimmed eyes snapped back and forth, looking for signs of danger all the way to the barrier. Her Dad, tall and strong, kept squeezing her hand, whether to reassure her or himself, Ginny wasn’t sure. 

When they crossed into the barrier onto Platform 9 ¾  it was quiet. Families were whispering, at times so softly, their words were as inaudible over the steam as if someone had cast muffliato. In some cases, parents were giving tearful goodbyes to their children. Ginny hugged both her parents fiercely, trying to put a lot of unsaid things into the hug. Her Dad whispered, “Be safe,” and mother kept whispering, “I love you,” over and over. Ginny rather felt like she was going into battle, and their somber parting and the atmosphere at the station did little to quell the growing pit of fear in her stomach. Her anxiety peaked as the train left the station, leaving her parents behind. She was alone, she thought sadly. Ginny watched the train pick up steam as the countryside rushed by, her thoughts running away from her. After a few minutes, Ginny pulled her trunk along through the narrow aisle until she found Neville and Luna already in a compartment together. 

“Ginny!” Neville said, hugging her. “Good to see you!”

Ginny smiled and greeted her friends. As she sat down, she cast several protective spells so no one could hear them, and chatted. 

Ginny told them about the wedding, leaving out that Harry was there. But Luna somehow figured it out. 

“How did you know?” Ginny said, gapping at her friend.

“Barney's facial expressions were too much like Harry's,” Luna said simply. “Plus his mind is always swimming with Wrackspurts.” 

Neville looked slightly bewildered as Ginny chuckled fondly at her friend. 

“So,” Neville began cautiously, “You broke up?”

“Yeah,” Ginny said, meeting his eyes. “Harry dumped me.”

“Yes,” Luna replied, patting her hand. “But he still loves you.” 

“But people need to believe he broke my heart,” Ginny said sadly. “It's the only way I can stay safe, and keep him safe. The Death Eaters tortured us after the ministry fell.”

Neville nodded and Luna sighed sadly. 

“Okay,” she said after a while. 

“Want us to spread the rumor?” Neville asked.

“Please,” Ginny said gratefully. 

They swapped stories for a while until the train stopped, halfway to their destination. Screams echoed up and down the train as compartment doors were wrenched open. The slamming echoed down the hallway, growing louder as they neared their own compartment. Masked Death Eaters opened all the compartments searching for someone. 

“We’re looking for Harry Potter and Hermione Granger,” they announced roughly. 

“They're not here,” Neville said bravely as Ginny stared at her feet. She didn't trust herself to say anything.

Just as quickly as they were there, they left with a swish of their cloaks. Ginny realized sometime after they left that she was shaking, and Luna rubbing her back gently.

“Deep breaths Ginny,” Luna said in her soothing voice. She hummed softly, and Ginny felt the tension slowly leaving her body.

And then the train picked up speed again, not quite leaving fear behind in its journey toward the castle. 

*****

If the Platform was any indication of what was coming, things were gloomier still once they reached the castle. The Great Hall, usually abuzz at the starting feast, was cold and drab. The sky was overcast, and no candles floated above the tables. Dumbledore’s absence was immediately noticed in the somber air in the room that usually was contained to Snape’s dungeons, and even more so with the start of term announcements and speech. Whereas Dumbledore added light heartedness and fun to peak students’ interest, Snape only added to the fear circulating amongst the castle’s inhabitants, and it was clear from the teacher’s faces that they too were feeling the strain of the Death Eater’s presence within the castle. 

At the end of the feast, Snape stood and a hush fell among the already quiet tables. His black robes billowed around him, and his cold eyes held even less warmth than usual.

“Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. As many of you have noticed, there are several changes to staffing this year. May I introduce Professor Carrow, who will be your new Muggle Studies teacher–” he held a hand out as Alecto stood to a round of unenthusiastic applause, “As you may know, Muggle Studies is now required for all students.” He paused, looking out over the crown, and continued. “And Professor Carrow who will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts.” A smattering of applause continued for a moment before there was silence once more.

“In addition to these staffing changes, there will be some new rules….Those who do not follow these new rules will be punished….most severely. So I urge you to follow them.”  With a flourish of his robe, he strode through the doors behind the teacher’s tables, and the students understood themselves dismissed.

Neville raised his eyebrows at Ginny, and they walked quietly towards their dorms. They didn’t dare discuss anything in front of the others; it was hard to know who they could trust any more, and even those you did trust could only be told so much. 

Neville and Ginny walked the corridors towards the Gryffindor tower, the buzz of students quieter than normal. All of a sudden Alecto Carrow stood in front of them, creeping out of the shadows. 

“Hello dearie,” Alecto said, an evil grin filling her rather ugly face. 

Neville took a protective step in front of Ginny, narrowing his eyes, which made Alecto cackle. The sound made goosebumps erupt up and down Ginny’s arms.

“I have a few questions for you,” Alecto said, her face still split in a menacing grin.

Suddenly she muttered incarcerous , and was levitating Ginny towards the nearest classroom.  It was one of the unused classrooms where Harry and she had shared a particularly wonderful afternoon exploring each other, but the terror of what was happening to her pushed the memories from her mind. Neville was yelling in the background, but Alecto simply stunned him without a backwards glance. 

Ginny fell into a chair, ropes forming to hold her in place. Her breathing was ragged and fast, her heart beating far too quickly in her too-small chest. 

“It’s reached my ears that you and Harry Potter are dating,” Alecto said simply, her hungry eyes roving over Ginny carefully. “Where is he?”

Tears leaked out of Ginny’s eyes, betraying her fear. “I– I–don’t know. He broke– he broke my heart–and —and dumped me.” 

“Ah, boys like him are only after one thing. I hope for your sake you didn’t ruin your honor for a half-blood traitor like him.”

This made Ginny cry harder. If only Ron hadn’t interrupted , she thought ruefully. “He broke up with me. He used me,” she said through tears. 

“Yes, but rumor is that you were far too in love to have broken up,” Alecto continued silkily.

Ginny’s breathing hitched. She braced herself for the onslaught, focusing hard on the lies she had crafted. Before she could focus fully, Alecto yelled, Legitimens. 

Images flashed before Ginny’s eyes, Harry and her laughing and kissing passionately against the tree by the lake, stolen hours hidden around the castle, Harry saying “I can’t be with you anymore,” Ginny alone and crying in her room looking at a photo of the two of them, Ron holding Ginny as she cried about Harry breaking her heart, the Death Eaters torturing her at the wedding. Ginny had never resisted so strongly in her life, but resisting was like fighting Tom and the diary in her first year, and Alecto was not as strong. Suddenly, she retreated, Ginny’s mind still tingling from the invasion, feeling weak and sick. The prickling of her mind left a throbbing ache that pulsed behind her eyes.

“Apparently you were telling the truth, you really were just Potter’s whore,” Alecto spat at her. Alecto untied the ropes around her and Ginny fell to the floor, still weak from her memories being examined. 

Alecto cast a stinging hex across Ginny’s face as she said venomously, “Next time choose a pureblood you blood-traitorous bitch.”

Alecto turned away from Ginny and stomped out of the room. Several minutes passed as Ginny sobbed, catching her breath. After what felt like hours, Neville and Luna rushed into the room. 

“Ginny,” Neville said shakily, “I’m so sorry!”

“Don’t be, it’s not your fault,” Ginny said. 

“Let me see,” Luna said, gently tucking her curtain of red hair behind her ear. Luna sucked in a breath, fingers gently touching the stinging mark across her face. “I can heal it.”

“Don’t,” Ginny said, fiercely. 

“Ginny, it looks terrible. You have a welt across half of your face,” Neville said.

“I want them to see what the Carrows are capable of,” Ginny said, holding her head high. 

Neville sighed, shaking his head. Luna looked sad and squeezed her hand. 

“I can take the pain away but leave the mark. It shouldn’t scar,” Luna said gently. Ginny nodded her consent, and held still as Luna treated her. 

They walked back to the dormitory together, eyes peeled. As they walked through the portrait hole, Luna followed. “I’m staying with you tonight, just in case,” Luna said and Ginny was filled with a rush of relief and gratefulness at Luna’s gesture. 

“Thanks Luna,” Ginny muttered, hugging her. They said goodnight to Neville and got ready, curling up side by side in Ginny’s bed. As they relaxed into the bed, new sobs broke, and Luna rubbed her back. Luna gently brushed her hair, then started to gently braid her hair. It was so maternal, so gentle after the rough treatment at Alecto’s hands earlier. Tears poured down Ginny’s face as Luna hummed and tended to her hair.

This year was going to be even worse than Ginny thought. She was a fool to think she’d be safe, that her lies would prevent the worst from happening. But maybe together they could get through it.

Chapter Text

The next morning Ginny and Luna snuck out of the dormitories toward the Great Hall early, sure that Luna's presence outside her own dormitory would not be allowed with the new staff. They made tea and helped themselves to toast as Professor McGonagall drew up schedules. 

"Ms. Weasley, nine owls, outstanding," Professor McGonagall said, offering a rare smile that froze the instant Ginny looked up from her plate, and the professor took in her face. 

"Good gracious, what on earth happened to your face?" she screeched fiercely, fear crossing her features. 

Ginny looked around, noticing the Carrows eating at the head table. She whispered back, "It was her. They wanted to know where Harry was. I convinced them that I don't know."

Professor McGonagall closed her eyes, took a deep breath. Ginny noticed they were swimming in tears when she opened them again. 

"Be that as it may, that still was unacceptable. I am so sorry Ginny."  There was a pause, and Professor McGonagall gently brushed her cheek, pulling out her wand. 

“Don’t,” Ginny said, something fierce in her look and voice caused the professor to hesitate. 

“Ginny, wants everyone to see how dangerous the Carrows are,” Neville said, bitterness in his voice. 

“Honestly Ginny, that’s very noble of you, but what does that change?” Professor McGonagall said. 

“Nothing. But it shows them I’m not afraid, that I won’t hide. And it might give hope to the others.”

Professor McGonagall shook her head, clucked, and looked at her carefully. "Make sure someone is with you at all times," she said, squeezing Ginny’s hand, and then helped her draft her schedule. Neville listened to Professor McGonagall talk and stood with Ginny to head to her first class, double Defense Against the Dark Arts. Neville walked next to her, both of them scanning their surroundings as they walked. He waved her off at the door, and she walked tentatively to a set of desks in the middle, hopefully out of sight. Ginny sighed when she noticed they'd be sharing this class with the Slytherins. 

Amycus Carrow walked in. He was rather short but gave them all a menacing look as he stopped in the front of the room. 

"Good morning and welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. I'm Professor Carrow." 

He paused and picked up his wand, the chalk writing on the blackboard on it's own: 

Defending the Wizarding World Against Muggles

There was an uneasy silence as they all took in that rather ominous heading. Ginny felt that familiar sense of foreboding fill her, and she chanced a half-glance at the other students around the room. There were mixed feelings; a few students looked hungry, self-satisfied, or even gleeful. But most of the class looked fearful, tense, and one Slytherin girl had her eyebrows contracted low over her eyes. 

"The Wizarding World is under threat. Never before have our numbers dwindled so since the Middle Ages, when sorcery was feared and Witches and Wizards were prosecuted around the world. Our kind, our magic, our very lives are at threat. It is imperative that you all learn Defensive magics and spells against Muggles, for these beings put us all in danger."

He paused, lacking his lips, a hard look in his beady eyes. 

"That is the focus of our lessons this year. Today we will focus on identifying Muggles as well as the threats they pose to our society." 

Rage was rolling inside Ginny, hot and itchy. She wanted to scream. How dare they? Indignation welled up inside of her, and it was all she could do to not Bat Bogey Hex Carrow into next week. Her mum's words echoed in her mind, keeping her from exploding. Ginny could feel the student next to her shaking next to her, out of anger or fear, Ginny didn’t know. 

After an hour and a half lecture about the "usurpers of magic" and "dangerous half-breeds undermining our historical traditions", Ginny was sure she'd never been more angry. Jotting down the homework assignment to summarize the lecture as well as researching methods of protecting Wizarding dwellings from Muggles with spells and enchantments, she bolted. 

The hallway was quieter than normal. Students traveled in twos and threes with their eyes downcast, whispers flitting up and down the hall. It was a rather somber setting. Neville appeared outside her classroom, eyebrows raised at the expression on Ginny’s face. 

“Are you okay?” Neville whispered, walking by Ginny’s side, scanning their surroundings carefully as they walked to the library. 

Ginny shook her head, looking over her shoulder to see if anyone was listening. “They are teaching about Muggles as “other” beings, warning of the dangers they present to wizarding society and teaching us to defend ourselves against them,” Ginny spat out. “It was all I could do not to curse his stupid face.”

Neville nodded. “I think we’re in for a long year.”

Ginny sighed once they reached the library, setting down her heavy bag, collapsing into a chair. Neville rubbed his face, checked that they would not be overheard, and mumbled muffliato .

“What a lot of rubbish,” Neville said, anger flashing in his eyes. Ginny nodded. He noticed Luna and waved to her over to their table. 

“How was Defense Against the Dark Arts?” Luna asked cautiously. 

“Horrible. What did you have?” Ginny asked, turning to Neville. 

"Muggle Studies with your new best friend,” Neville said dryly. “I’m sure it wasn’t much better than yours. Our homework assignment is to draw our family tree with each person’s blood status. If the person is a Muggle we are forbidden from writing Muggle. Instead we must write–well it wasn’t very nice.”

“What?!” Ginny said, outraged. 

“You have to write Mudblood?” Luna asked with an arched eyebrow. 

“You mean she used that slur?!’ Ginny asked, outraged. 

“Yes,” Neville said. “And worse, she’s asking all of us to use that term also.”

Luna nodded sadly. “Yes, are you really surprised?”

Ginny sunk back against her seat. She felt as though all the air had left her.

“They’re so awful,” Neville said.

“I have a feeling they’re only starting to be awful.” Silence met Luna’s rather scary proclamation. 

“So what are we going to do about it?” Ginny asked quietly after a rather pregnant pause.

“I think we should restart the D.A.” Neville said so quickly, Ginny wondered if he’d been waiting for someone to ask this very question. 

“Hermione did give me her coin,” Ginny said. “Luna’s rather good at charms, so we should be able to make more as well.”

Luna nodded dreamily. Smiling softly at the others. 

“The question is who can we trust? Let’s make a list of people. Luna, meet us in the common room?”

“We have to practice our disillusionment charms first,” Neville said thoughtfully. “I heard a prefect say that the Carrows are patrolling at night. I shudder to think what would happen if we were caught.”  

The girls nodded, and vowed to practice.

Armed with the knowledge that they soon would be undermining the Carrows and their new terrible regime, they began tackling their rather depressing homework.

Chapter Text

After a few weeks at Hogwarts Ginny was desperate for outside news. She shuddered to think what was happening with the Order, with her family, if she was facing such adversity within the walls of Hogwarts. But she also struggled with how to write without it being intercepted, but with a stroke of brilliance, she decided to write to “Ron” who was home with “Spattergroit.”

So after a long day, she settled in with her quill and some parchment in an armchair by the fire. She stared at the embers, picking her words carefully. 

Dear Ron,

I do hope you’re starting to feel better, although Mum told me you still have a long time before you’ll be back to normal. I miss you; Hogwarts isn’t the same this year without all my brothers. It’s doubtful that I’ll be able to find anyone to beat me in chess the way you do.

School’s been okay. Our new classes have been tough, and the new teachers are about as nice as Professor Umbridge. Luckily Neville and Luna have been great friends. I did have several questions about our family tree for a Muggle Studies’ project; can you give my Aunt Muriel’s birthdate, and Uncle Bilius’ death dates? I need the same for Fabien and Gideon. 

The weather has been wet, damp for this time of year, and more lightning and thunderstorms than normal. We’ve been waiting for more weather reports, but we’re so cut off here. 

I’m looking forward to seeing you at Christmas. 

Love,

Ginny

Ginny read it over several times. She hoped her parents would understand her messages about the classes and use it for the Order. Likewise, she hoped they understood her desire for news on Harry. The twins were working on launching an underground news program on the WWN with their friend Lee Jordan. One of the codes they developed talked about different types of weather with Harry’s movements as a way to communicate updates over the wires to other Order members. 

She set the letter to the side, pulling out her Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook, and her invisible ink. Ginny glanced around, there were only a few older students left in the common room at this late hour. She wrote the following between the margins of her books, the invisible ink fading as quickly as she could write, ghosting the pages:

Dear Harry,

Not only was coming back to Hogwarts harder than I imagined, I can't stop thinking about you. You see, I don't think you realize how much I noticed you; how much I’ve always noticed you. You have this bold presence about you, especially when you're brooding and concentrating. It's super enduring because normally you wouldn't hurt a fly, but you're also passionate and prone to acting before thinking. 

Anyway, I digress. The Carrows asked me about you. I lied. I pretended you broke my heart, that you mean nothing to me, that I hate you. Nothing could be farther from the truth, yet I've told the lie over and over enough that I'm afraid I'll forget how I really feel. And the truth is, I love you; hopelessly, completely. All I have to do is walk by the tapestry by the Room of Requirement, pass our favorite tree by the lake, or remember how you kissed me, touched me, loved me, and I realize I won't ever forget or stop loving you. 

Neville, Luna, and I are working on starting the D. A. again, and I can’t help thinking of our sessions with you as our teacher. I wish you were here now, to lead us. You do so so naturally, and I can’t say I have the same confidence. But hopefully you’re safe, wherever you are. 

I miss you. It’s an ache that’s festering, it never goes away. Please come back safely to me. I’ll be waiting.

All My Love, 

Ginny

 

Ginny, set down her quill, tears pouring down her face. She closed the book, set it down, and sobbed.

Ginny wasn’t sure why it hit her so forcefully at this moment, but she was alone; no brothers, no Hermione, no Harry. Just her, with a few rogue Death Eaters passing down their pureblood mania.  And how could she fight back, when Voldemort’s regime was so strong, powerful, and overpowering. Could they make a difference? Or were they doomed to their fates? 

She cried a long time, hiccupping herself to a stop. At last she forced herself upstairs to her bed, drawing the curtains around herself. Ginny stared at the canopy for a long time before drifting off into a fitful sleep.

Chapter Text

On their way to breakfast on a damp September morning, Ginny and Neville passed several posters plastered haphazardly on the walls. Undesirable No. 1 caught her eyes, as well Harry's face, looking at her up and down the hallway. She stopped without being aware of it, unable to look away. Neville grabbed her elbow and whispered, "Keep walking Ginny."  He guided her to the Great Hall, gently steering her. Luna floated over, an uncharacteristically nervous expression on her face. 

"I was worried when I saw….” Luna said, with apprehension in her voice. “Well, are you alright Ginny? You're white as a ghost." 

Ginny shook her head, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. She swallowed roughly as Luna guided her to her seat.  Neville pulled a flask out of his robes, splashing some into her tea under the table. Luna raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment. Ginny sipped her tea, the taste of Firewhiskey prevalent, tickling her tongue and burning down her throat. 

"For the nerves," Neville said, carefully stowing his contraband. "They'll be watching for your reaction, and you've got Muggle Studies first thing."

"How is it you know my schedule?" Ginny asked, looking up at Neville carefully. His cheeks tinged pink. 

"Professor McGonagall gave me a copy,” Neville said with a shrug. “She wanted to be sure you had escorts to and from classes, just to be safe." 

Ginny looked rather touched. "Thanks Neville," she said. 

"Don't mention it." He said, smiling back shyly.

They ate their breakfast quietly.  Far too soon the first bell rang, signaling ten minutes until first period. With a sigh Ginny gathered up her bag and walked next to Luna and her classmates out of the hall. Ginny was rather nervous. At least this class was shared with the Ravenclaws, so she’d have a friend. 

As they sat down in their usual seats, Ginny's eyes met Professor Carrow's. She had acted like her and Ginny shared nothing more than a polite conversation the first day back in the castle, and that suited Ginny just fine. Every time she had to attend a class with her, she pictured horrific ways to get her revenge. It helped, if only slightly. 

“Today we will be learning about the dangers of Mudbloods, and the ways they threaten the lives of Wizards. In the middle ages, Witches and Wizards were persecuted by Muggles, whose ignorance made them feel threatened by magic. Forced to the margins, to hide ourselves for our own protection no longer. It is time that wizarding-kind fights back against these usurpers of magic and claim their rightful place. It’s time Mudbloods learn their place, and respect wizards for what and who we are. These are the topics we shall be covering in this class: history, culture, magic, and the dangers of Muggles to our way of life.”

Ginny’s stomach rolled nervously. Bless Luna, she looked as wistful and absent minded as ever, clearly not letting the atmosphere interfere with her own views and beliefs. 

The last half hour of class, Alecto assigned each student a partner with whom they were going to work on a group project. Each pair would be assigned a problem and how to address these concerns with magic. They were assigned safety and security, needing to come up with ways to protect their home from Muggles. 

To Ginny's horror, she wasn't assigned a partner in her class but was assigned a slytherin student named Astoria. 

When the bell rang, she and Luna filed out of class. Leaning against a wall was the tall Slytherin. Her jet black hair juxtaposed with her alabaster skin.  Astoria asked if she’d like to get started on the homework since they both had a free period. Ginny said sure but she was nervous to be working with a Slytherin on a topic that she so vehemently disagreed with. Her stomach squiggled with nerves as she reminded herself it was all an act, that she must not give away her true thoughts on the topic. 

As they pulled out their books and parchment, consulting the books for various spells, it was clear to Ginny that Astoria had no more ideas about Muggle protection spells and enchantments than she did. Ginny studied Astoria closely through quick glances and out of the corners of her eyes. She wasn’t what Ginny expected. She was elegant, regally pretty, and reserved without the pretentiousness or stuffiness she’d come to expect from other Purebloods. Everything she said and did was thought out intentionally, yet she wasn’t rude. Not once in their time together did Astoria make Ginny feel less for being a Gryffindor or blood traitor, which surprised her. Everything about Astoria surprised her frankly. She was unlike most of the Slytherins she had interacted with, and for that, Ginny was quite grateful. 

“I just don’t know what else to put here beside the basic Muggle repelling charms and basic protection charms listed in the textbook,” Astoria said, looking uncharacteristically rumpled after pouring over textbooks together. Ink was smeared on her hands from their notes. 

Ginny closed her book, rubbing her eyes, “Me either. Of course, I know what they want us to say.”

Astoria nodded, a frown etched on her face. She opened her mouth and looked at Ginny for a moment without saying anything. 

“Do you think this is enough for the assignment?” Astoria settled on. 

Ginny looked at Astoria. She could sense the same hesitation that Ginny felt; wanting to do well in the class but not wanting to give the Carrows what they wanted by discussing heinous forms of Muggle exclusion. Again Ginny felt a jolt of surprise at this revelation.

“I, I don’t know,” Ginny said. “Do you care if it isn’t?” Ginny’s mind raced and her heart thumped in anticipation. She was in dangerous waters, and she had to be careful. Astoria didn’t seem like the type who would betray confidences or try to trick her, and she hadn’t been on the Inquisitorial Squad under Umbridge. Ginny could feel her heart thundering in her chest as the second creeped by.

Astoria smiled mildly, “Not really no. Honestly, I rather think that them using Muggleborns as a scapegoat to pin all of wizarding kinds’ problems on is a farce. They’re distracting us and trying to brainwash us into believing a lie so they can get away with more atrocities without us rebelling. They’ll take over, and before we know it, it’ll be too late.”

Ginny was flabbergasted and stared openly at Astoria. 

“Sorry I read a lot as a child,” she said shyly, her cheeks tinged with pink. 

Ginny smiled kindly. “Don’t be, I agree by the way, but I couldn’t have said it quite as elegantly as you.  What do we do?”

Astoria shrugged. “I mean, what can we do?”

Ginny sighed. “I don’t know, but nothing seems like giving up.”

“And too much like letting them win,” Astoria responded. 

Ginny nodded.

“I think it’s good enough, and if not, I’m okay with my grade suffering a little,” Astoria said, tucking a black strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s the principle of the matter.”

“Okay,” Ginny said, smiling.  She felt almost a huge amount of relief, thanking her lucky stars that Astoria was as genuine as she appeared to be. Ginny almost felt as though she’d gained an ally in the process of this rather unpleasant class. 

They packed up their bags in amicable silence. 

“For what it’s worth,” Astoria said as she slung her bag over her shoulder, “I really enjoyed working with you. I’d like to study with you again. At least with a partner this class wouldn’t feel so awful.”

“I’d like that. Thanks Astoria.”  Then they parted, each walking back to their own parts of the castle. The lamps were lit, the fall day necessitating their use as dinner time drew near. Ginny’s mind was busy reliving her time in the library as her feet carried her automatically back to the common room. She eventually came to the conclusion that you can’t always judge a book by its cover.

Chapter Text

That evening Neville and Ginny were up late doing homework. Slowly the Common Room emptied of students around them, leaving Neville and Ginny alone. The embers in the fireplace grew dim as Ginny stretched her arms over her head. She looked up as the portrait hole opened of its own accord.  Neville raised his eyebrows as Luna appeared before them floating towards them. 

“Oh good,” Ginny said, “You’re here. Did the disillusionment charm work okay?”

“Yes,” Luna said happily. “Thank goodness Professor Flitwich taught us that one recently. Without it I would have been caught on the way.”

Neville looked scared for a moment, closing his eyes and sighing, and then set down his quill. He rubbed a tired hand down his face. Ginny too felt her insides clench uncomfortably. It seemed like everything this year had been scary and stressful, and they hadn’t had a chance to catch their breaths. 

“I wanted to meet tonight because I can’t sit here and do nothing,” Ginny began. “I want to reform Dumbledore’s Army, but it will be dangerous. Very dangerous. If you don’t want to, I understand.”

“I’m in,” Luna said. 

“Me too,” Neville replied. 

“Should we send a message out on the coins?” Luna asked.

“Great idea,” Neville said. “You know how to work the coin Ginny?”

“Yes,” she said, pulling it out of her pocket. “Want to meet tomorrow? Around 6 when everyone is coming back from dinner?” 

The others nodded. She fiddled with the coin, muttering the incantation and felt the coin warm. Luna and Neville smiled down at their own coins as they warmed up and  the numerals on the side changed, alerting them to the meeting. 

“I have some invisible ink I can bring and charm a piece of parchment.” Ginny said. “Fred and George showed me how to transform it. I need to think of something that the Carrows won’t want to inspect too quickly.”

“How about a tampon?” Luna asked. Neville’s face flamed red at that and Ginny chuckled. 

“That’s actually a great idea,” Ginny said. They talked for a few moments more about the meeting, how they were going to lead, and planning who they could ask to join the group. 

“I think I’d like to invite Astoria,” Ginny said quietly, waiting to see their reactions. Neville raised his eyebrows and Luna looked thoughtful. 

“The Slytherin?” he asked, cautiously. 

“Yes, she’s in Slytherin,” Ginny explained. “But we’ve been doing our Muggle Studies work together. She hates the new classes and attitudes of the Carrows as much as we do. I think we can trust her.”

Luna nodded. Neville hesitated but gave his consent, saying, “We trust you Ginny.”

“I think inter-house unity is the first step toward defeating He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. If we’re divided, we’re not as much of a threat,” Luna said dreamily.1

Neville smiled at her, and Ginny couldn’t help agreeing with that sentiment. 

After discussing their plans at length, Ginny went to bed with a smile for the first time in a week. Planning to do something against the Death Eaters, to fight back, gave her something to look forward to. She drifted off to sleep quickly, not a worry keeping her awake. 

****

The next day passed in a blur. After Muggle Studies, Ginny walked to the library with Astoria and sat at the familiar table in the back. She casted the Muffliato charm around them, causing Astoria to raise her eyebrows. 

“I wanted to ask you something,” Ginny said. “I really have enjoyed getting to know you and I feel like I can trust you. Would you like to join Dumbledore’s Army? We’re reforming it.”

Astoria smiled, “I would love to.”

“Are you sure? It will be dangerous.”

Astoria rolled her eyes. “I told you earlier, doing nothing is as bad as siding with the Death Eaters.”

Ginny smiled back. “We’re meeting tonight. Meet me here at 5:45 after dinner and I walk you there, okay?”

“And the others,” Astoria began, suddenly unable to look Ginny in the eyes. “Will they be okay with me being a Slytherin?”

“I don’t know,” Ginny answered honestly. “I did tell the other leaders and they were supportive of you joining. You’ll be the only Slytherin for now, but if anyone says anything they’ll have me to answer to.” 

Astoria smiled back at her, chuckling. “I really like your spirit Ginny.” They smiled at each other for a moment before starting on their homework. Ginny felt her spirits soar for the first time since she returned to Hogwarts.

****

After dinner, Ginny met Astoria outside the library. She pulled her into an alcove behind a tapestry. Astoria looked surprised. 

“I didn’t know this was here,” Astoria said mildly, glancing around curiously. 

“It helps having the twins to show you the best places to escape trouble unnoticed,” Ginny said smiling. “I want us to disillusion ourselves. Our meeting is in the Room of Requirement. Are you familiar with it?”

She nodded. “Yes,” Astoria said. “I know how it works and where it is. It was discussed in the Slytherin common room after Draco used it last year.” 

Ginny nodded. “Okay, here goes,” Ginny said, rapping Astoria on the top of her head. Then she did the charm on herself. 

“Brilliant. Try to be quiet,” Ginny whispered. She took a route that was carpeted part way, dampening their footsteps. Luckily the corridors were busy with students returning for dinner, so hopefully they wouldn’t attract too much attention from passersbys. 

After several tense minutes, they arrived. Neville and Luna had tested the room, figuring out its loopholes the other night. They figured out how to make the door tiny enough for only a mouse, opening only when someone held up the coins and whispered, “Sic sempre tyrannis”2. Ginny squatted, holding up her coin and whispering. The invisible door quickly opened for a second and shut behind them. 

Luna and Neville stood greeting people. Neville held up his wand as Ginny and Astoria became visible once more. 

“What form is your patronus?” Neville asked, wand pointed at the pair. 

“A horse,” Ginny said. 

“Who is your favorite author Astoria?” Neville said, focusing on her. 

“Shakespeare,” Astoria said calmly. She turned and looked at Ginny, her eyebrow raised. Ginny shrugged, “I told them a bit about you.” 

Neville dropped his wand, greeting them. They walked over to several other students. Ginny noticed immediately a bunch of the old D.A. didn’t return. She wondered if it was because they didn’t check their coins, or because they were too afraid to come back this year. 

She saw Seamus Finnegan, Katie Bell, Padma and Parvarti Patil, Hannah Abbott, Ernie McMillian, and Lisa Turpin, who came with Padma. It was a small group, Ginny thought, but the twelve of them chatted excitedly. 

At last everyone quieted down a bit, looking around expectantly at Luna, Neville, and Ginny. 

“Hello everyone,” Ginny said. “Luna, Neville and I decided to start up Dumbledore’s Army again. We have been feeling frustrated with the way that the Carrows have been leading things, and wanted a way to keep informed about what’s happening outside the castle, as well as form a resistance to some of the things happening within Hogwarts.”

“It’s more important than ever that we keep this quiet,” Neville said. “Ginny had a stinging hex used on her, and as you know, the Carrows are using the Cruciatus on those who earn detention. If you don’t want to be a part of this group, we understand.”

“For those of you who do want to join, we are charming a piece of paper with our names in invisible ink,” Luna said. “Ginny will transform it and keep it on her at all times.” She gestured to the desk that had the ink, quill and parchment on it. Ginny, Neville and Luna stepped up and signed it, as did everyone else in the room. 

“First order of business,” Neville said. “We all need to feel comfortable doing the disillusionment charm on ourselves to get here. Let’s practice that now, and then I think Ginny had something for us at 7?”

Ginny nodded and they broke off. Ginny helped Lisa while Neville helped Hannah. Ginny noticed a blush creeping up Neville’s face as he helped Hannah. Interesting , Ginny thought, tucking that information away for later. Once everyone had the charm down, Ginny passed out coins to the newcomers and told them how to enter the room for their next meeting. 

“I heard about a new program called Potterwatch on the radio,” Ginny said. “I thought we could all listen in.”

She tapped the radio, turning the dial, and found the station. Today’s password was “Phoenix.”

“Welcome to Potterwatch. I’m your host, River. Tonight I am joined with news from my correspondent Royal, who has an urgent update. 

“Yes indeed,” Royal responded in a deep tenor. “I have it from the Ministry of Magic that there were imposters that broke into using Polyjuice Potion yesterday, freed several Muggles from the Muggle Registration, and then fled. The Ministry strongly suspects Harry Potter was one of the imposters, but it’s unclear what his mission was, and he fled before he could be captured by the Aurors.”

“As more details come in, they will be published in the Quibbler. Mr. Lovegood has been printing the truth that the Daily Profit has largely ignored, so stay tuned for more details.”

Ginny's heart had clenched several times during the broadcast. Merlin’s beard, what were they doing at the Ministry? Ginny closed her eyes, hoping Harry and the others were safe.

“Thank you Royal for that update,” River said. “And now I have our ‘Pals of Potter’ segment with Romulus. 

“Good evening River,” Romulus said. “Thank you for having me.”

“Romulus, knowing Harry as you do, what would possess him to go into the Ministry when there’s a 10 thousand galleon prize on his head? Do you have any stories or insight into what could be driving Harry’s actions right now?”

“Absolutely River,” Remus replied. “One thing to know about Harry is that he is exceptionally brave to the point of being foolhardy. If Harry felt that he could undermine the system, or those who are in support of the Chief Death Eater, he would risk his life for witches and wizards and face any challenge head-on. Harry is a person who created ‘Dumbledore’s Army’ to fight back against the Ministry’s interference with education during his fifth year, teaching and leading his fellow students, despite the threat of expulsion if caught. He is a person who has been deeply impacted by the Death Eaters, particularly the Chief Death Eater, and who will continue to fight the forces of evil until he reaches his goal or dies trying.”

“That describes a pretty courageous person,” River says. 

“Yes,” Romulus replied. “It’s something that I admire about him. Despite Harry’s difficult life, the challenges and hardships he had faced, Harry has tremendous grit and determination. These gifts will serve him well on his mission, whatever it may be, to undermine the Chief Death Eater’s plans.”

“Thank you Romulus for sharing with our viewers,” River said. “And on that note, we have few messages today from our viewers. Dean Thomas has been on the run for four weeks now. His family is looking for any news about his safety.”

“The Creevy family has two Hogwarts aged sons Colin and Justin who are missing. If anyone has any updates or news, they would greatly appreciate it.”

“And sadly, a few deaths to announce today as well. The Cattermole family, including Reg, Mary, and their three children were found dead attempting to flee the country. Mary Cattermole was a Muggle-born witch, fleeing the new Muggle-born Registration mandate by the Ministry. They resisted arrest and the family was murdered. Let us all give a moment of silence for the Cattermole family.”

It was eerily quiet in the Room of Requirement, save for the sound of the radio’s static. 

“Thank you,” River said after several minutes. “If the Cattermoles are anything to go by, registering yourself is definitely not safe at this time.”

“Agreed,” Royal’s voice broke in. “The ministry is not setting fair hearing for Muggle-borns, led by Dolores Umbridge. You may remember her from her time at Hogwarts two years ago as Hogwarts High Inquisitor. People are being sent to Azkaban, tortured, or if caught fleeing, killed. The best practice is to flee the country. I’ve heard that the French Ministry of Magic is taking in those Muggles fleeing Britain.”

“Thank you for those updates,” River replied. “Thank you for listening, my name is River, and this has been another episode of PotterWatch. Check the dials in the next week with password, “Muggle” to tune in. Stay safe.” 

With that the radio crackled and static filled the room. Everyone looked at each other chatting animatedly. There was some excitement to fight back, coupled with fear from the war, to a range of other emotions. Seamus looked worried hearing about Dean, his best friend. 

As the chatter died down, Luna said, “Okay everyone, what ways would you like to rebel back against the Carrows?”

Ginny picked up her quill and began writing down ideas on the back of the name sheet with her invisible ink. 

The Patil twins listed using Weasley products in various ways against the Carrows. Ginny added posting about Dumbledore’s Army on the walls in permanent ink. Seamus wanted to add pictures of all the Muggleborn students on the walls who were missing. Astoria suggested each picture state the person’s name and the words “missing but not forgotten.”

“These are great ideas, let’s break into groups and figure out how to carry them out. Should we start with the Muggleborn pictures? That seems like a good idea since they’ve posted Harry’s wanted poster all over the school.”

Hannah pulled out a yearbook and copied the photos, creating posters with Astoria who had a good eye for detail. Luna charmed the names and words under each picture. There were a lot more Muggleborn students than Ginny realized. Hermione Granger, Colin and Dennis Creevy, Dean Thomas, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Kevin Entwhistle, and Terry Boot.  Some students were missing with their families who had gone into hiding, and they too were added to the list including Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter.

Each person took a picture or two to add to the walls with permanent sticking charms on their way back to their dorms. 

Finally Neville said, “We’ll let you know when the next meeting is. For safety reasons, we won’t plan them in advance or with any consistent schedule. We’ll need to be careful.” 

They all disillusioned themselves and left in twos and threes, carefully walking back to their dorms. Ginny herself dogged Peeves and Mrs. Norris who were patrolling. Not for the first time, she wished she had Harry’s map that had explained a great deal about her brother’s mischief making and Harry’s own misadventures.

When she came to a fifth floor corridor that was deserted, Ginny carefully posted Colin Creevy’s picture next to Harry’s poster. She posted the one of Hermione closer to the Gryffindor common room. 

At last she sat by the fire, equal parts exhausted and exhilarated. They were fighting back, and she couldn’t wait to see the Carrows’ reaction tomorrow at breakfast. 

While she had been a part of Dumbledore’s Army before, this time felt different. It was clear that the war was here now, having even descended upon the castle. Voldemort may still be operating in the shadows, but the disappearances in the paper, the people on the run, the fear and threat of danger within these very walls, made Ginny realize that this was much more serious than two years ago. And despite this realization, she refused to back down. Voldemort didn’t break her her first year, and his cronies weren't going to win now. Of that, she was sure.

*****

On their way to the Great Hall the next morning, Ginny and Neville, quickly joined by Luna, tried to act surprised by the posters. There was a buzz up and down the corridors, which grew even louder as they reached the hall. Students walked back and forth between tables, talking about the Muggle born student posters that had appeared as if by magic overnight. 

A young student from Hufflepuff walked over and told their table that Flitch had tried several means to remove the posters with no success, making him angrily muttering up and down the halls about “rule breakers”. 

Severus was watching the proceedings from the Headmaster’s chair, black eyes roving around trying to catch the guilty parties. Ginny felt him staring at her, she looked at him defiantly until he looked away, continuing his searching. Toward the end of breakfast she saw him in discussion with the Carrows, and eventually he rose, walking slowly toward the lectern, his black robes billowing behind him. His white face was a mask of emotion. Snape waited until everyone was silent and seated at their proper tables. 

“By no doubt it has come to your attention that several students have placed fliers around the halls and corridors of our school. Professor Carrow wishes me to express that Mudblood students not only do not deserve a place within the halls of Hogwarts, but are unworthy of remembering.”

The fact these vile words were met with silence confirmed Ginny’s assertions of the previous night; the war was at Hogwarts. Students were afraid, and while a select few were willing to rebel quietly, no one dared to outright defy the new regime. 

“If any student has any knowledge about the events or culprits behind these posters,” Snape continued in his bored, drawing voice, “I urge them to come forward. The culprits will be punished appropriately to the severity of the crimes.” 

He stood, silent and still, looking out at all of them. No one spoke. 

“Very well.” At that moment Professor Carrow carried up a picture frame with a decree in its case. There was some muttered whispering among the older students who remembered Professor Umbridge's many decrees during her time at Hogwarts. Ginny felt an ice cube slip into her stomach. 

“The Minister of Magic, Pius Thicknesse, has pushed through a new decree that allows Hogwarts’ Headmaster to use any and all means necessary, including the Cruciatus Curse or Legilimency, to find culprits of and participants in illicit activities. I strongly urge you all to follow the rules and give the Carrows no reason to put you into detention.” 

He looked around the hall, his eyes stopping for a moment on Ginny’s brown ones. She felt like they were boring into her, remembering what Harry had told her about Snape knowing both Legilimency and Occlumency. She refused to look away. Suddenly the bell rang for class, severing the staring contest, and hundreds of students walked to their classes. 

Neville glanced nervously at her, saying “It seems like Snape suspects you.” 

“He knows it was me, but he can’t prove it. We’ll just have to be careful,” Ginny replied quietly as they walked down to the Green houses. Neville dropped Ginny at Greenhouse Three, and continued down the hill toward Care of Magical Creatures. As Professor Sprout greeted them, she noticed the Professor looked strained and tired. The atmosphere within the castle was taking its toll on students and teachers alike. Ginny had a feeling the more the D.A. pushed back, the more Snape and the Carrows were going to buckle down. It was more of a question of when, not if. Which left Ginny wondering, how long they could all handle the strain before it broke them all.

Chapter Text

Ginny awoke tired and worn the next morning. The grim nature within the castle, the constant fear, the dark news that reached her ears all were weighing on her. Ginny stretched, and quickly got dressed.

At breakfast, an unfamiliar owl floated down in front of her, and she took the scroll. All mail was now being searched by Snape, and sure enough the scroll was not sealed. 

Dear Ginny,

Thank you for your letter. I am not able to speak now, the Spagergit having finally spread. Mum has been taking good care of me, but she’s not as good at chess as you. I miss you too. 

I heard that the weather was going to be nice this weekend. Maybe Saturday you can enjoy the sunshine by the Black Lake by our favorite tree, the one hidden from view. I wish I could be there with you, but a “wizard” has got to do what a wizard’s got to do. 

We hope that you’re staying safe. We love you and miss you. 

Love,

Ron

Ginny clutched the letter to her chest, pushing the tears down. She missed the Burrow, her family, and the trio more than words could express. She’d never felt so alone and cut off from the things she cared most about, and this year, with everything going on, made it that much more difficult to endure. 

Ginny understood that the trio was safe from the weather report, and that she should tune in to the radio on Saturday afternoon, the password being “wizard”, to hear the newest episode of PotterWatch. 

Luna drifted by airily, hugging her when she noticed her tears. “Are you ready for class? Astoria’s waiting for you by the doors,” Luna whispered into her ear. Ginny wiped her eyes, nodded, and walked next to her friend. 

“Hey,” Ginny said quietly, “Have you seen Neville?” Luna looked around, her protuberant eyes flickering with fear. 

“No,” Luna replied with a whisper. Ginny looked up at the staff table, the Carrows missing. She exchanged a dark look with Astoria and walked towards their class. Just passed the Defense classroom, in large flashing red and yellow letters, the message was spray painted on the wall: 

Dumbledore’s Army

Still Recruiting

Ginny’s breath caught. She’d recognize that handwriting anywhere. “They’ve got them,” she moaned to the other two. 

“What do we do?” Luna asked. 

“Go to class or it’ll look suspicious,” Astoria said, a grim look settling on her face. “At lunch we’ll search the dungeons.” 

Ginny nodded and they separated from Luna. Astoria sat at the desk next to hers, and Ginny could practically feel the fear radiating from her. 

“Good morning class,” Professor Carrow said. He walked to the front of the room writing:

Defensive Spells

“Today we will be covering defensive spells listed in Chapter 7 of your Defense Against the Dark Arts books. Please open and let’s read the first section silently before the lecture begins,” Professor Carrow said.

Ginny pulled out her book, flipping to the appropriate chapter. She sucked in a breath when she read the heading

Chapter 7 

Unforgivable Curses

There are 3 Unforgivable Curses, so named because if used, the caster will be charged with a lifetime sentence in Azkaban. 

     1. The Imperious Curse- “Imperio”

The imperious curse forces someone to do the caster’s bidding, taking the control away from the person who is cursed. Additionally, over long periods of time, this curse can cause long-term and short-term memory loss and retrieval problems. 

     2. The Cruciatus Curse- “Crucio”

The torture curse, as it is otherwise known, is the most painful curse that wizards and witches endure. It has been used by criminals to extract information, control people, and create a sense of fear in victims. If overused, it can torture someone into insanity, which is irreversible. Additionally, victims have experienced broken or fractured bones, or torn ligaments as their body stretched in unnatural positions while under its use. 

     3. The Killing Curse- “Avada Kedavra”

The killing curse is unblockable, unchangeable, and powerful. The only known survivor of the killing curse is Harry Potter (October 31, 1981).

These curses are even more dangerous because they are not able to be blocked by protective spells or enchantments (Protego, Salvio Hexia, invisibility cloaks), and can leave lasting damage to the wizard who is under their influence.  

It was clear when students were done reading because most of them were fidgeting uncomfortably in their seats. Ginny was lost on how the Unforgivable curses could possibly be seen as defensive in any way. 

Professor Carrow cleared his throat, and began speaking. “While normally the use of these Unforgivable Curses would send a person to Azkaban, that is not the case when using these curses against Muggleborns. A law was passed yesterday excusing the use of these curses against Mudbloods to protect wizardingkind.”

Bile rose up in Ginny’s throat. She swallowed roughly, stunned. The Carrows, like many Death Eaters and Voldemort sympathizers, were so evil in a way that was shocking to Ginny. As she looked around the room from the corners of her eyes, she could tell that she was not the only one who was appalled by this change in events. But Professor Carrow didn’t stop there. 

He pulled an invisibility cloak up into the air. Ginny gasped as she saw Neville, bruised and blooded, tied to a chair. There was blood trickling down the side of his face from a nasty looking gash. Professor Carrow muttered, renervate , and Neville opened his eyes. His eyes locked with Ginny’s, and she felt a tear run down her cheek. 

“You will all, for class credit, cast the Cruciatus curse on your classmate. He was caught graffiting the walls, therefore this is his punishment for detention,” Carrow said, an eager look in his cold eyes. 

The class slowly lined up, Ginny and Astoria toward the middle of the pack. They exchanged terrified glances, not daring to speak. Several students were crying quietly, shaking their heads in horror about what they were being asked to do.

Crabbe was first, he held his wand in front of him, his chest falling and rising and cast the spell. Neville twitched and groaned but didn’t scream and writhe the way Ginny had at the Burrow mere months ago.

“You have to mean it,” Professor Carrow said. “Let yourself feel how you want to hurt him.” And then he lifted his wand and Neville’s cries bounced around the room, echoing horribly. A boy at the back of the line vomited on the floor. Ginny herself was transported back to that summer when she was tortured at her brother's wedding. The sound of Neville’s screams were like knives to her heart; she still remembered the pain, the fear, the horror as if it just happened. She hated the Carrows, and she’d get them back for this if it was the last thing she ever did.

One by one, each student cast the spell. Some did it quickly, some waged an inner war with themselves before casting. Luckily most students’ hearts didn’t seem to be in it, but that was a small consolation for Ginny. Ginny stepped up, but did not cast the curse. She silently cast several healing charms and then threw her wand to the ground. 

“Ginny,” Neville whispered quietly. “Just do it. It’s okay.”  He looked up at her, resignation on his face. And that terrified Ginny more than anything.

Ginny took several steps away, shaking her head. Professor Carrow looked livid. “You will do the curse, or join Neville for my next class as a punishment.”

“I won’t do it,” Ginny said. 

“You will if you know what’s good for you,” he wheezed, and then Ginny felt like she was floating. A small voice in the back of her head commanded her to torture her friend. She walked toward her wand, and picked it up, but something felt wrong. No , her mind said, I don’t want to.

Ginny dropped her wand for the second time and felt the curse lift. She felt herself being tied to a chair, now it was her turn to endure next to Neville. Astoria also refused, and Carrow, possibly feeling like he was losing control of the class, ended the class there for the day. Ginny watched the class disperse, some students looking relieved and bolting for the door, while others mesmerized by the three of them tied up, seemingly rooted to the spot.

Carrow chased out the class, and then he floated the three of them down to the dungeons, locking the door behind him and taking their wands. 

Once they were chained, Carrow cast the cruciatus on Ginny. Her screams echoed of the stone cellar, magnified in the small space. The pain overtook all of her thoughts, demanding to be felt as it crashed over her in waves. When it finally ended, she was shaking on the floor, listening to Astoria’s shrieks. Her wails seemed to go on forever, until she too was silent. There was a clang of a door shutting.

Neville moaned from the corner. Ginny and Astoria walked to him, barely able to see him in the dark. 

“You should have just done the spell,” Neville said weakly. “I would have understood.”

“I won’t let them change me,” Ginny said. “I did it for myself as much as you.”

Astoria nodded, helping sit Neville up. They huddled together on the cold stone floor. Ginny whispered “Dobby” and the elf appeared with a crack. 

“Miz Weezey,” Dobby said, surprised. “Is you hurt?”

“Neville is, Dobby. I need Madam Pomfrey to fix Neville’s wounds.” Dobby nodded and disappeared again. Several long minutes passed until the Matron was kneeling before Neville, cleaning his cuts and giving him a pain potion.

“I can’t heal the cuts but I did mend your ribs,” Madam Pomfrey said sadly. “They’ll know I helped otherwise.”

“Thank you,” Astoria said. Dobby brought them some butterbeers and sandwiches which they ate gratefully, and then he took all the evidence with him. It was a long night, cold and damp in the small cellar. None of them slept well, reliving the terror of the previous day. 

Carrow came and let them out at daybreak and Ginny supported Neville back up to  the Gryffindor common room. 

“Will you be okay on your own Astoria?” Ginny asked. 

“I think so. I’m counting on my house affiliation to protect me,” she said before squeezing Ginny’s hand. It was hard work getting back, Neville towered over her, and his injuries were making it so he was leaning heavily on her, and her own muscles ached this morning still. 

Luckily it was Saturday, so they would be able to rest. Ginny levitated Neville into his bunk, unsurprised to find Luna waiting for them. 

“I’ve been worried sick,” she said, dark bags under her eyes. “I heard what happened but no one knew what happened to you.”

“The Carrows threw us in the dungeons for the night,” Ginny said.

“We’re alright,” Neville assured Luna. Once he was settled, Ginny recounted what happened, and the two of them climbed in her bed, sleeping away most of the day.  When they woke up, Ginny felt that familiar itchy anger buzzing under her skin. 

Luna must have noticed, because she suggested that they meet with the D.A. Perhaps because she was so angry, and perhaps because she wanted her revenge, Ginny quickly agreed and pulled out her coin. After checking on Neville, and assuring him that they would be fine without him, and that he needed to rest, the girls snuck to the Room of Requirement. Holding up their coins, they slid into the room, unnoticed. 

They quickly were engulfed by the regular crew, peppered with questions about what happened, if they were okay, and how Neville was. Ginny recounted the whole story again, and then realized there were several new faces. Lavender Brown, Sally-Anne Perks, Jimmy Peaks, Graham Pritchard who came with Astoria from Slytherin, Romilda Vane, Michael Corner, a couple younger Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs Ginny didn’t know.

“Wow,” Luna said, “It’s great to see more of you.”

“It was really brave, what you and Astoria did,” Lavender said. “We saw the message Neville wrote and heard what happened. Some of us approached Luna, and we came as a group.”

Ginny smiled, glad that they were inspiring the others. They read sections aloud from the Quibbler that Luna’s Dad was able to sneak in to her with some clever charms that shrunk and disguised them inside pairs of socks. And Ginny read aloud from the list of ideas of how to get back at the Carrows. 

Lavender Brown and Hannah Abbott agreed to put U-No-Poo into the tea that the Carrows drank in the morning, while a group of young boys thought they could convince Peeve to disrupt their classes in interesting ways. 

As they departed in small groups, invisible, Ginny couldn’t help but feel a small weight lifted off her shoulders. 

“Thanks Luna,” Ginny said as they walked arm-in-arm. 

“I love you, you know.” She said quietly. A flood of affection filled Ginny. 

“I love you too Luna,” Ginny replied. And in the end, fighting back, and knowing they had friends in the corner made all the difference. Ginny was determined not to let the Carrows beat her down, not to let them break her. 

Chapter Text

The next week was a rather amusing week with the Carrows being more miserable and grouchier than normal, which was rather saying something. The effect no doubt was the result of the Weasley Wizard Wheezes’ U-No-Poo placed in their tea. Ginny smiled at their surly disposition, and at the D.A.’s small retaliation. 

And then things settled into a normal routine again. The week after Halloween was wet and colder than normal. The gloomy castle looked even more drab than normal, and the shorter days were enough to dampen everyone’s spirits.  Students pulled their cloaks tight around them against the blustery winds that whipped across the grounds. 

The D.A. had a few more successful meetings. They had practiced general spells as they had when Harry had been the teacher, which was especially useful for the younger students. Ginny also taught them how to resist the Imperius curse, which they put on one another to practice. Astoria was good at Occlumency, and helped teach that to the group, however most everyone struggled to find the sort of success she had with this discipline. Ginny was surprised how much progress they were making, but more importantly how they had grown. 

Their numbers had now tripled from the beginning of the year. With each passing decree Snape issued, to every slanderous lesson taught by the Carrows, to every detention and attempt to beat the student body into submission, it all had the opposite effect the Death Eaters hoped; Dumbledore’s Army was growing. There was something about having this organization, having this group of similarly minded students, to remind her that there was hope. The students were not giving up, and with every spell they learned, every skill, they were more prepared to face the war when it came to Hogwarts. 

After one lesson, Ginny, Astoria, Luna, and Neville stayed behind the others to chat. Ginny loved this group of friends, without whom, she was not sure how she would have survived this horrible year. 

They recounted the success that they’d been having recently for a few moments.

“So,” Neville pondered. “What’s next?”

“I want to steal the sword of Gryffindor,” Ginny said. Astoria sighed, shaking her head.

“Are you mental?” Astoria asked, making Ginny smile. 

“Isn’t the sword in Snape's office?” Neville asked. Ginny waved her hand as if to say details .

“May I just ask why?” Astoria asked curiously, studying Ginny closely. 

“Dumbledore left the sword for Harry in his Will but obviously the Minister, at the time, Scrimegeor, wouldn't give it to him because it was a Hogwarts Historical Artifact. I want to steal it so when Harry needs it our side has it,” Ginny said simply. 

Astoria looked at her shrewdly, her eyebrows scrunching in the center. “You still love him,” she sounded surprised. 

Luna actually chuckled, “Of course she does. Harry loves her too.”

Astoria actually looked stunned. “So the rumors you spread…”

“All lies,” Luna said happily. Astoria looked at Ginny, tilting her head sideways as if looking at her for the first time.

“So,” Ginny said, squirming under Astoria’s examination of her. “How do we steal it?”

“We could disillusion ourselves, I’ll set off some Weasley Wildfire Whiz-bangs to distract him and the Carrows while you, Luna, and Astoria sneak into his office,” Neville said. 

“I can stand watch and find out the password,” Astoria said. The others nodded. 

It took another week until Astoria learned the password was “Asphodel.” As dinner was ending, Neville let off the Fireworks that were wreaking havoc outside the library as Ginny and the girls slipped up into Snape’s office. Once inside, Astoria used bombara to break open the case holding the sword, and Ginny pulled it out of the case. She tied it to her waist, closing her robes around her to hide it. 

As they turned to leave, a gasp of surprise left Luna’s mouth before she was blasted across the room by a disarming charm. Snape stood in the doorway and looked at them coldly, dragging Neville behind him. 

“And just what are you doing in my office?” Snapes’ eyes drifted across each of their faces in turn. “Ms. Greengrass, I’m surprised at you. It appears Ms. Weasley has been a bad influence on you.”

Astoria held her chin out proudly, her posture impeccable and graceful as always. “I actually think she’s given me the courage to do what I believe in finally.”

His eyes looked at the case where the sword had been moments before. Bollocks . 

“Where’s the sword?” Snape said in his bored drawl, his eyes snapping over all of them. Luna started stirring, looking up at all of them, a momentary surprised look crossed her face as she found herself on the floor. 

Snape walked over to Ginny, pulled open her robes, and untied it from her waist. “And just what were you going to do with this?”

“Nothing,” Ginny spat bitterly.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Weasley, and if you keep it up, you’ll end up getting your friends killed.” Snape said furiously, his yellow teeth bared.  “You, Ms. Lovegood, Ms. Greengrass, along with Mr. Longbottom will serve detention with Hagrid. Tonight, 8 pm. Now get out of my sight.”

Ginny's heart was racing. She was thankful to be serving detention with Hagrid and not the Carrows, they were lucky there. She wondered why he hadn’t punished them more.

Ginny slunk out of Snape’s office quickly with the others, thankful to get off easily. They walked around the lake, biding their time until their detention, watching the stars twinkle in the sky. As they traipsed across the lawn toward Hagrid’s hut, Ginny kicked stones, trying to get some of her frustration out.

Luna knocked on the door, and they heard Fang’s deep booming bark. Hagrid had barely opened the door when he started in on them. Bollocks again.

“What’re yeh thinking tryin’ to steal the sword. Reckon you’re lucky it was me yeh got detention with.” Hagrid said gruffly at them, his beard quivering with anxiety. His hut was warm and homey, especially after the gusty winds that battered against them as they walked to Hagrid’s place. 

“Harry wanted it, and I didn’t want Snape or the Death Eaters to have it,” Ginny said, shrugging. 

“Yeh need to leave that to the Order. I should’na said that….” Hagrid said, looking at Luna and Astoria nervously. 

“Don’t worry Hagrid,” Neville said calmly. “They know about the Order. They’re in Dumbledore’s Army with us.”

“Yer not still doin’ that now ‘re yeh?” Hagrid said fiercely. 

Ginny shrugged and smirked. Hagrid sighed, and changed the subject quickly. He had laid out some of his rock cakes for them to enjoy with tea. It wasn’t the best dinner, but it was better than going to bed hungry.

At eight, they all bundled up and headed toward the Forbidden Forest. 

“Right, we're just gon’ feed some Thestrals, and fix a paddock for the Fire Crabs I got o’er there,” Hagrid said, gesturing over his shoulder. 

It was one of the most enjoyable nights Ginny had had back at Hogwarts. Ginny was the only one not able to see the Thestrals, which made feeding them a bizarre experience. She remembered when she and Harry, together with Ron, Hermione and Luna, had flown to the Department of Mysteries.  It felt like a lifetime ago, and just thinking about Harry made her heart ache. She missed him so much.

Once the Thestrals had their fill, they walked through the woods a short distance to an area Hagrid had cleared and put several paddocks with creatures. There were Fire Crabs in one, Hippogriffs in another, and Kneazles in the last one. Hagrid brought them over to the fence portion that was leaning. They used their wands to dig holes, putting in fresh posts and stretching the barbed wire between the sturdy new fence posts. 

“There. That ought to do,” Hagrid said happily, brushing his dirty hands off on his trousers. It was dark as they walked through the edge of the forest, the moon out and bright. 

“I’m walkin’ yeh up to the castle. I don’ like yeh walkin’ in th’ dark,'' Hagrid said. They lit their wands, walking the winding stone steps up the hill and across the grounds. The wind howled as it blew across the lake and through the barren trees. Hagrid waved them off at the Great Hall, watching them walk back to their dorms. Astoria’s friend picked her up and walked her back, and Neville and Ginny walked Luna to Ravenclaw before heading to their own Common Room. 

While it had been pushed from her mind during their detention, Ginny wondered where the sword was now. Had Snape removed it? Rehidden it? Why had he been so angry to find them attempting to steal it? Had he known about Dumbledore’s Will and that Harry wanted the sword? Something was definitely funny about the whole thing. Thoughts ran around in her mind, swirling for a long time as she stared at the canopy of her bed. At last exhaustion claimed her, saving her from her brooding.

Chapter Text

The next few weeks were less eventful, or perhaps, Ginny thought, they had just adjusted to the new way things were at Hogwarts. The lessons were hardly shocking Ginny like they used to, which was a new sort of danger. Complacency may help the Death Eaters brainwash more students into following them. But, the D.A. had never been better. They had thirty members strong now across all four houses, something not even Harry had accomplished. 

Yet, as they boarded the Hogwarts Express for the holidays, Ginny had never been happier to be heading home. She, Astoria, Neville, Luna, and to Ginny’s amusement, Hannah Abbott, all shared a compartment. Ginny had given Neville a rather knowing look, enjoying watching him squirm under her scrutiny. 

They played a few games of Exploding Snap, laughing, enjoying snacks off the trolley. For the first time in months, Ginny felt like a normal teenager, just enjoying time with her friends while she thought longingly of her mother’s Christmas Feast. She could picture the Burrow blanketed in a layer of snow, decorated with a tree, and her numerous paper chains, music on the wireless. 

As they pulled into the station, they all exchanged hugs and “Happy Christmases”.  Luna took two steps off the train and two masked Death Eaters walked up, grabbed her, and started pulling her toward the barrier to King’s Cross Station. Luna’s characteristically calm face and demeanor were a sharp contrast to her fierce yelling and clawing, fighting to get away.

Ginny screamed, running after them. One of them pointed their wand at her. Ginny felt herself go ridgid as a board, falling hard to the ground. And then they apparated, and were gone. Luna was gone. Ginny remained where she landed, unable to move, frozen literally and mentally in a state of shock. 

Her father ran up to her, along with Fred and George. 

“Merlin’s beard Ginny,” her father said, lifting the jinx. “Are you alright?”

“No! They just took her! They took Luna!” Ginny screamed, attracting the attention of many passersby. 

They helped her up, the twins taking her trunk, and walking her out. She noticed her Dad looking all around, watching carefully, his hand clenched around the wand in his pocket, and she copied him. They didn't meet any more Death Eaters or trouble as they appareated to the Burrow. What should have been a welcome sight didn’t have the same effect on Ginny after she watched her friend get kidnapped. She was furious, tears running down her cheeks. 

“Ginny! Welcome ho–” her Mum began. “What happened? Are you okay?”

Ginny sobbed into her Mum’s chest as Molly threw her a bewildered look. 

“Luna was kidnaped off the train at the station,” Arthur said sadly. 

“Oh no,” Molly said. “Poor Xenophilius. She’s all he has left.”  Molly rubbed Ginny’s back until her cries subsided, wiping her cheeks tenderly. 

"I need to go tell him, and then report this to the Order," Arthur said. 

"I'll go with you, Dad," George said.

Ginny didn't leave her Mother's arms for a long time. It was a rather sober gathering. Molly served them all tea and Christmas biscuits, trying to cheer her up. Ginny did her best to enjoy this time with her family she’d been missing so much all year, but every time she started to, she thought of what could be happening to her friend, and her stomach clenched unpleasantly. 

After dinner, Ginny sat with the twins in the living room. She was in her favorite armchair, curled up with her legs tucked under her.  Once her parents went to bed, Fred cast muffliato at the stairs, and watched her carefully. 

“Out with it,” Fred said. 

“How bad is it? Like Umbridge?” George asked. 

“Worse,” Ginny said. She started detailing the year so far, starting with Alecto’s interrogation with her at the beginning of the year, reforming the D.A., the way she, Astoria, and Neville we tortured for refusing to use the Cruciatus on other students in detention, the class content and smear campaign against Muggleborns, trying to steal the sword of Gryffindor from Snape and their subsequent detention with Hagrid. 

Once she started talking, Ginny found she couldn’t stop. It was like a dam that had broken, everything flowing from her automatically after bottling it up for far too long. Fred and George’s faces were grim the further they went in their story. And then the tears came, so strong and steady she could hardly talk or draw a breath at times, but still she talked. 

“I feel so alone. The atmosphere is one of intense fear. We’re afraid for ourselves, our friends, and our family. It’s only a matter of time before they severely hurt us or kidnap us like Luna. None of us is safe.”

“Why haven’t you told Mum?” Fred asked. 

“She’ll try to pull me out of school,” Ginny said. “I need to be there to lead the resistance, plus what you all are doing for the Order is important. We can’t do that if we’re in hiding.”

Twin grimaces crossed Fred and George’s faces. 

“We’re so proud of you Ginny,” George said. “You’ve always been the strongest and bravest of all of us.”

“Just be careful,” Fred said. 

Ginny let out a watery chuckle. “I’ll try, but no promises. I face all my problems head-on.”

They nodded, hugging her. 

George pulled two packages out from under the tree. “These were for Christmas but I reckon-”

“You could have them now,” Fred said, winking. 

Ginny smiled, wiping her face, and ripped into the red paper with golden W’s on it. The first package was full of merchandise from the store for pranking, Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, decoy detonators, a few invisibility cloaks, and more invisible ink.

The second package had a bottle of Ogden’s Firewhiskey. Her eyebrows raised at both of them. 

“We figure after everything you’re going through,” Fred said.

“You might be able to use a pick-me-up from time to time,” George said. “Don’t tell Mum.”

She laughed, already transforming the bottle into a shampoo bottle and creating a label for it. 

“You’ve gotten rather good at that sis,” George said. 

Ginny shrugged, saying, “It turns out that fear and necessity are sometimes better teachers than anything else.” 

“What about–” George started and then stopped with a look from Fred. 

“What about what?” Ginny said, arching an eyebrow. There were a few moments of silence, and then George whispered, “Harry.”

“We found out at the wedding, and when you were–” Fred said.

“Tortured–” Ginny said helpfully, earning a wince from her brothers. 

“Well, we wondered if you still—loved him.” George finished awkwardly.

“I do,” Ginny said. “I’ve been lying to everyone. When the time comes, I want to fight alongside him.” 

Her brothers nodded. “We’ll bring you, just, don’t tell Mum,” Fred said. 

She laughed, “I’m not a bloody idiot.” Which made them all laugh. 

They sat around the fire, the boys sharing how PotterWatch was going, and new products for the store. George mentioned he’d been hanging out with Angela which made Ginny smile. And despite the hardship of the year, she was so thankful to be here with her family. There was something magical about Hogwarts at Christmas, but nothing topped the Burrow. A melancholy sort of contentment settled into her chest as Ginny sat by the fire with her brothers. It was almost happiness, but not quite.

Chapter Text

Christmas Break away from the castle was an amazing blissful break after the horrors that had become her daily reality at Hogwarts. Her mum’s cooking was as wonderful as ever, and just seeing everyone was marvelous, although she was sad Bill and Fleur were not coming for Christmas dinner. Ginny’s feelings toward Fleur had turned to respect after she endured torture next to Ginny, on her wedding day no less, and the kindness she’d showed her after. 

While there were happy moments, they were interrupted by a stream of sad reports and news that reached them by the various members of the Order that stopped by, including Lupin and Kingsley. Fred and George kept notes in a notebook with invisible ink that they transformed into a watch that George wore on his wrist. Ginny knew they were forever working on collecting information for PotterWatch. Part of her was glad her brothers had maintained her confidence, given everything she’d shared with them. They were like her in that they too would fight and be on the front lines. After all, Weasley’s didn’t back down from a challenge. 

Christmas day as they sat around the table, enjoying a wonderful feast, Ginny stuffed from second helpings of everything, a knock sounded at the door. 

Arthur stood looking nervous, wand drawn and went to the door. “Who is it?” he asked.

“It’s me, Kingsley Shacklebolt. My Patronus is a lynx, and I am ‘Royal’ on PotterWatch. I bring news.”

Arthur opened the door, and the cold air swept into the room with Kingsley, who looked unusually grave. 

“Would you like some dinner Kingsley?,” Molly asked cautiously. He shook his head.

“Thank you Molly, however I need to talk to Arthur, Fred and George, and then I need a team of people to come to Godric’s Hollow.”

They walked into the sitting room, talking in whispers, while Ginny helped her Mum clean up from dinner. A sense of foreboding filled her. That feeling intensified as the voices grew from whispers to shouting. Molly looked over her shoulder, sighing. 

“She deserves to know,” Fred said firmly. “You have no idea what she’s dealt with this year.”

“Fred,” George said, trying to calm him down. 

“You think I don’t know,” her father’s voice was low and dangerous. “I’m not blind Fred. I know more than you think. Have you considered that I don't want her to know more than necessary in case she’s been interrogated again by the Carrows?”

Ginny trembled, the plate she was drying fell to the floor and shattered. Molly quickly repaired the dish, examining the cut on Ginny’s hand that was gushing blood. Her Mum healed it in a trifle, and held her face in her hands. 

“Breathe Ginny,” Molly said. The voices had quieted in the other room at the sound of the plate crashing to the floor but the tension and tones verified the argument continued. And Ginny’s mind went into overdrive imagining all of the news that her family would be trying to keep from her, and she had a feeling it had something to do with the trio. 

Molly supported her over to a chair, which she sank into. Her mum walked into the other room, and she heard her say, “Nothing for it Arthur. We heard you and not knowing is going to drive her more sparse than whatever news you have.”

Arthur sighed, and the group trickled into the kitchen. He kneeled by her chair, a sad look in his eyes. Ginny thought how old her Dad was looking, how much he’d aged in the last year, the grays around his ears more prevalent than ever, the wrinkles deeper. 

“Ginny,” her dad began gently, “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was at Godric’s Hollow. It appears that Hermione and Harry were there visiting Bathilda Bagshot, but it wasn’t her but his snake made to look like her. It was dark magic. The snake bit Harry, and they barely escaped. We need to go and inspect her house and see what happened. We don’t know if they're okay, but they did escape.”

Ginny’s face drained of color, she stood quickly, running to the sink, and vomited spectacularly. Her mum walked over, rubbing her back. No one spoke. There were no words of comfort. 

“We’ve got to be off,” Arthur said. Molly nodded and the boys all walked out. Ginny and Molly sat at the kitchen table, silently drinking their hot chocolate for hours. Arthur returned. He looked tired and worn, but not surprised to see them waiting up for news.

"Ginny dear," Molly said gently, breaking the silence of the evening. "Was there anything you wanted to tell me? About you and Harry."

A tear fell down Ginny's cheek. Her mum stood and wrapped her in her arms as the dam broke and Ginny sobbed. 

"We dated. Briefly. And then...and then he broke it off. He knew he had to leave and wanted to protect me, but I still..."

"You still have feelings for him?"

Ginny nodded. 

"Oh sweetheart, why didn't you tell me?"

"I was going to and then just as it started it was ending."

Her mum squeezed her hand, and then stayed like that, huddled together, waiting for news. Hours later, her Dad came home looking tired and worn. He sank into a chair and ran a hand down his face.

“Well to say that there was dark magic was indisputable. Horrible what they did to her body, completely destroyed. It’s clear they put up a hell of a fight, the room was destroyed by curses and things the snake attacked. There was minimal blood, and based on what we saw, especially given no news has surfaced to the contrary, we think they’re okay.”

Ginny sighed. It sounded like good news, but without knowing, fear ate away at her. Her mum squeezed her hand again before Ginny retreated to her room.

That night, long after she went to her bedroom, sleep eluded her. She pulled out her textbook, turning and entering in all of the information about Luna’s capture, the news from the Order, and about her Christmas break. She wrote long into the night which relieved her of her burdens a little bit. Feeling slightly lighter, she slipped into her bed, drifting off to sleep. 

****

And suddenly, way too soon, the break was over, and she was once again heading back to the castle. In some ways Ginny was less anxious knowing what to expect, but the sense of dread was stronger than before. She hugged her parents tightly, trying to put a lot of unsaid things into the hug. 

“I love you Ginny,” her father said, kissing her forehead. 

“Be safe,” her Mum said, smoothing out her robes. She boarded the Hogwarts Express, walking down the narrow corridor until she found the compartment with Astoria and Neville inside. It looked strangely empty without Luna in it. 

As the train left the station, they all waved to their loved ones. A strange melancholy filled the compartment. 

“So,” Astoria said, “Was your Christmas okay?”

Ginny filled them in with everything she knew. It sounded like Astoria and Neville had had an okay Christmas, but all of them were apprehensive about their return to Hogwarts. 

“There’s going to be a broadcast for Potterwatch tomorrow evening,” Ginny said. “Do you think we should call a meeting?”

“I think it’s brilliant,” Astoria said. “We need something to look forward to.” 

Ginny smiled, pulling out her coin and messaging the others. They passed the time talking about the term, wondering what they were going to learn from the Carrows next, if you could call it learning. The sky steadily turned dark outside, fading to black, and they finally pulled their robes over their muggle clothing. They pulled their trunks to the carriages, piling in together. The trek up to the castle was a beautiful one, the pines covered in a layer of snow, the castle gleaming in the distance. As they were riding in the carriages, a school owl  Ginny didn’t recognize landed on her lap. The scroll of parchment had an invitation from Hagrid. 

Hello Ginny, 

Do you think you and your friends would like to meet me tonight for a cuppa? I’d like to have a Support Harry Potter party in my hut. See you around 6, after dinner. 

Hagrid

Ginny showed the letter to the others. 

“What do you think of this?” Ginny asked. 

“This feels like a trap,” Astoria said. “Are you sure Hagrid wrote this?”

The frown in Neville’s forehead deepened. “After Hagrid warning us about being careful, this doesn’t seem like something he would do.”

“I think we should go disillusioned just to be sure none of the younger kids get tricked into going,” Ginny said. 

Neville nodded, and said, “I’ll go with you too Ginny.”

When they reached the hall, Astoria waved them off, headed to her own table as they headed to the opposite side of the hall toward their own. Snape sat watching them trickle in, looking as sour as normal. Few students walked between the tables chatting like they used to do after breaks, excited to see their friends. The dinner passed slowly, and at last there was a great scrapping of benches as the student body exited toward their respective dormitories. 

Ginny’s anxiety increased when they ducked into an unused classroom and disillusioned themselves. She and Neville crept as quietly as they could across the grounds, they sent several younger students back to the castle on the way, and noticed the lights on in Hagrid’s cabin, smoke billowing from the chimney.

As they got closer, her heart leapt into her throat. The Carrows beat them to the door and were knocking. Neville grabbed her arm, and they both stopped walking. Ginny saw Fang jump up on the Carrows, knocking Alecto over as Amycus stunned the dog. Hagrid opened the backdoor and kids were running through the dark. Both Carrows were on their feet casting numerous stunning spells, which bounced off Hagrid and ricocheted around the small cottage. Hagrid grabbed Fang, knocked both Carrows over, and took off running to the Forbidden Forest. They chased him as far as the edge of the forest, and then gave up, running up the hill to catch the students. Ginny and Neville ran ahead, disillusioning kids along the way, trying to protect them. As they arrived at the courtyard, they noticed a third year, Rose Zeller, tied up. Ginny was shaking with fear as she and Neville watched the Carrows move into the Great Hall, dragging her along. Alecto flicked her wand, the tables disappearing, while Amycus dragged Rose to the center of the room. 

At the same time, Snape cast Sonorus on his voice, and called all students back to the Great Hall. Over the course of ten minutes, students poured into the room, confused looks on their face, having just left dinner an half hour before. 

The Carrows used a spell to suspend Rose,  her arms and legs stretched sprawled-eagle in the sky above the students. Many faces looked appalled or afraid as they took in this scene. 

“We’ve been trying to teach you all year, what happens to blood-traitors and those who go against the Dark Lord,” Alecto began, “But some of you need to understand that not only are those things intolerable, but there are consequences for supporting Undesirable Number One.”

Ginny held her breath, dreading what was to come. 

Amycus screamed, “Crucio!” and poor Rose began screaming in anguish. Her cries bounced around the marble hall, amplifying her voice and echoing off the walls, piercing Ginny’s ears. On and on it went, her screams getting louder and more shrill as her body stretched and bent. Many students were crying silently, a boy just down from Ginny vomited on the marble floor. Neville was shaking next to her. One little girl just down from Astoria fainted.

Amycus gave her a little break and said, “It’s time you all learned where your loyalties lie. If you’re not a supporter of the Dark Lord, then you’re against us and him.”

This time Alecto was the one to cast the curse and again Rose howled in misery. Tears ran down her face as she started to twitch. 

Snape stepped forward, placing an arm on Alecto, “That’s enough,” Snape said. “You’ve made your point. Not to mention we don’t want to make too many Purebloods insane unless we have to.”

Alecto and Amycus undid the ropes, and Rose crashed to the floor five feet below her. Her ankle cracked horribly and she fell sideways. 

“Back to your dormitories,” Snape said acidly. Ginny and Neville stepped forward, helping the poor girl up. Astoria cast ferula, and bandages wrapped around Rose’s ankle and up her leg. Together they carried her out of the hall and to a classroom. Ginny wished Luna was here; she was the best with charms, so instead she summoned Dobby, who brought Madam Pomfrey. 

Madam Pomfrey fixed the broken leg, gave Rose some SkeleGro, and gave them some dittany to several cuts she had on her arms and face. 

“You’re a Hufflepuff Rose?” Ginny asked. The girl nodded. “I want you to stay with me tonight, okay?”  Rose nodded, tears still running down her cheeks. 

Neville and her helped her back to their Common Room, and up to Ginny’s bunk. Ginny transformed a chair into an extra bed for herself.  She grabbed her stash of Firewhiskey, and gave a shot to Rose. 

“For the pain,” Ginny said gently.

“I’ve never had this,” the girl said quietly. 

“It burns going down, but it’ll help you sleep, and stop the pain from the after effects,” Ginny said knowingly. 

“Thanks for helping me,” she said. 

“You’re welcome. I’m sorry we couldn’t stop them from torturing you.”

“It’s okay,” she replied, a small smile on her face. 

“Try to rest now, okay?” Ginny said. She watched Rose from her make-shift bed, until the girl fell asleep, and Ginny dropped off not long after. 

She was dreaming of flying, playing two a side Quidditch at the Burrow with Ron, Hermione, and Harry . Her heart pounded when he caught her eye. Merlin, he was so handsome with that crooked grin. They were taunting each other, tossing the quaffle back and forth and then–

A scream woke up the whole of the sixth year’s dorm. Rose was thrashing in Ginny’s bed, screaming. Ginny rushed over and shook her. 

“Rose!” Ginny said, “It’s just a dream. You’re safe.”

Rose collapsed against her, sobbing against her shoulder. 

“It’s okay,” Ginny said, rubbing her back. “Everything is okay everyone, go back to sleep.” The light of the sun was just peeking over the horizon, hazy and golden light illuminating the grounds.

“Everything is not okay,” one of the girls said sadly. Ginny nodded. Things were even worse than before Christmas, and she was afraid it was only going to get worse before it got better. None of the girls were able to get back to sleep, so they all got dressed and headed to the Great Hall early for breakfast. Rose hugged Ginny tightly before going off with some friends.

Neville joined shortly after. “Is she okay?” he asked. 

Ginny shrugged, “No, but are any of us? She’ll be okay in time, hopefully.” Neville nodded sadly, and started piling up his plate with eggs and sausages. 

“Still,” he said softly, so Ginny could barely hear him. “At least we’ve got tonight.”

She smiled at him, she thought the same thing. She didn’t know what she’d do without the D.A., it was the only thing giving Ginny hope, the only reason she wanted to stay at Hogwarts.

Chapter Text

The next day passed in a blur of exhaustion. Having been awake most of the night taking care of Rose, the day felt longer and more arduous than usual. Ginny was trying not admit to herself that the constant stream of bad news and attempts by the Carrows to whip the student body into submission were definately starting to get to her. Even more alarming, she was hardly affected by the slurs and ridiculous class subjects anymore, numb to it all. She mostly kept her head down, daydreaming about the D.A. meeting later that night, and ways she could back at the Carrows.

After a quick dinner, she arrived at the Room of Requirement under her usual disillusionment charm. Ginny and Neville entered as people slowly trickled in. 

“Hello everyone,” Ginny said. “Welcome back. Tonight we just wanted to share a broadcast of PotterWatch with you.” 

“We also wanted to update you about what happened to Luna Lovegood,” Neville said, launching into the story of her capture off the Hogwarts Express at Christmas, and about the way Rose had been treated the day before.  As he talked, Ginny tapped the radio, muttering under her breath. She knew the password was “Albus” this time. 

"Sharing this information and not allowing the Death Eaters and Carrows to control what we know is a powerful tool," he continued. He quieted as the static crackled through the room. 

“[We] apologize for our temporary absence from the airwaves, which was due to a number of house calls in our area by those charming Death Eaters. [We’ve] now found ourselves another secure location,” said River. “And I'm pleased to tell you that two of our regular contributors have joined me here this evening. Evening boys!”

“Hi.” 

“Evening River.”

“Before we hear from Royal and Romulus,” [River] went on, “let's take a moment to report those deaths that the Wizarding Wireless Network News and Daily Prophet don’t think important enough to mention. It is with great regret that we inform our listeners of the murders of Ted Tonks and Dirk Cresswell.”

“A goblin by the name of Gornuk was also killed. It is believed that Muggle-born Dean Thomas and a second goblin, both believed to be traveling with Tonks, Cresswell, and Gornuk, may have escaped. If Dean is listening, or if anyone has any knowledge of his whereabouts, his parents and sisters are desperate for news.

Meanwhile in Gaddley, a Muggle family of five has been found dead in their home. Muggle authorities are attributing the deaths to a gas leak, but members of the Order of the Phoenix inform me that it was the Killing Curse–more evidence, as if it were needed, of the fact that Muggle slaughter has become little more than recreational support under the new regime.

Finally we regret to inform our listeners that the remains of Bathilda Bagshot have been discovered in Godric’s Hollow. The evidence is that she died several months ago. The Order of the Phoenix informs us that her body showed unmistakable signs of injuries inflicted by Dark Magic. 

Listeners, I’d like to invite you now to join us in a minute’s silence in memory of Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, Bathilda Bagshot, Gornuk, and the unnamed, but no less regretted Muggles murdered by Death Eaters.”1

Ginny felt tears prickle at the corners of her eyes. She breathed a sigh of relief at Harry’s safety, yet her heart broke over the death of Tonk’s father, and the countless others killed at the Death Eater’s hands. 

Fear was her constant companion, not just for herself, but for all those she cared about. Ginny knew that her Mum had lost both of her brothers in the First Wizarding War, and her whole family was involved in the Order, and all her friends at school were in the D.A. and Harry, well Harry was in the thick of it. He always had been. And as much as she tried to push away the dark thoughts that crept in, she knew the likelihood of all of them making it out of this alive was pretty slim, and yet, hope was a slippery, dangerous thing.

“Thank you,” said [River’s] voice. “And now we turn to regular contributor Royal, for an update on how the new Wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world.”

The radio broke her out of her reprieve. Ginny refocused her attention.

“Thanks, River,” said an unmistakable voice, deep, measured, reassuring. Ginny knew this had to be Kingsley, or as he was known on the wires, Royal. 

“Muggles remain ignorant of the source of their suffering as they continue to sustain heavy casualties,” said Kingsley. “However we continue to hear truly inspirational stories of wizards and witches risking their own safety to protect Muggle friends and neighbors, often without the Muggle’s knowledge. I’d like to appeal to all our listeners to emulate their example, perhaps by casting a protective charm over any Muggle dwellings in you street. Many lives could be saved if such simple measures are taken.”

“And what would you say, Royal, to those listeners who reply that in these dangerous times, it would be ‘Wizards first’?” asked [River]. 

“I’d say it’s one short step from ‘Wizards first’ to “Purebloods first’ and then to ‘Death Ethers’,” replied Kingsley. “We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving.”

“Excellently put, Royal, and you’ve got my vote for Minister of Magic if ever we get out of this mess,” said [River]. “And now, over to Romulus for our popular feature ‘Pals of Potter’.”

“Thanks, River,” said another very familiar voice; [Professor Lupin]. A number of the older students smiled, recognizing the voice of their old Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. 

“Romulus, do you maintain, as you have every time you’ve appeared on our program, that Harry Potter is still alive?”

Ginny didn’t realize she was holding her breath. 

“I do,” said Lupin firmly. “There is no doubt at all in my mind that his death would be proclaimed as widely as possible by the Death Eaters if it had happened, because it would strike a deadly blow at the morale of those resisting the new regime. ‘The Boy Who Lived’ remains a symbol of everything for which we are fighting; the triumph of good, the power of innocence, the need to keep resisting.”

“And what would you say to Harry if you knew he was listening, Romulus?”

“I’d tell him we’re all with him in spirit,” said Lupin, then hesitated slightly. “And I'd tell him to follow his instinct, which are good and nearly always right.”

Ginny’s eyes were swimming with tears. She couldn’t have said it better herself. What Ginny wouldn't give to let him know she was thinking about him; that they all were. He had started the D.A., and they were continuing it, fighting where they could, supporting him and the trio wherever they were.

“And to our usual update on those friends of Harry Potter’s who are suffering for their allegiance?” Lee was saying. 

“Well, as regular listener will know, several of the more outspoken support of Harry Potter have now been imprisoned, including Xenophilus Lovegood, erstwhile editor of The Quibbler, and the Death Eaters also kidnapped his daughter Luna Lovegood off the Hogwarts express at the start of Christmas break.”

“We have also heard within the last few hours that Rubeus Hagrid, well known gamekeeper at Hogwarts School, has narrowly escaped arrest within the grounds of Hogwarts, where he is rumored to have hosted a ‘Support Harry Potter’ part in his house. However, Hagrid was not taken into custody, and is, we believe, on the run.”

“I suppose it helps, when expecting from Death Eaters, if you’ve got a sixteen-foot-high half-brother?” asked Lee.

“It would tend to give you an edge,” agreed Lupin gravely. “May I just add that while we here at Potterwatch applaud Hagrid’s spirit, we would urge even the most devoted of Harry’s supporters against following Hagrid’s lead. ‘Support Harry Potter’ parties are unwise in the present climate.”

“Indeed they are Romulus,” said Lee, “so we suggest that you continue to show your devotion to the man with the lightning scar by listening to Potterwatch! And now let’s move to news concerning the wizard who is proving just as elusive as Harry Potter. We like to refer to him as the Chief Death Eater, and here to give his views on some of the more insane rumors circulating about him, I’d like to introduce a new correspondent: Rodent.”

“Rodent?!” said yet another familiar voice, her brother, Fred. She chuckled softly to herself.

“I’m not being ‘Rodent,’ no way. I told you I wanted to be ‘Rapier’!” 

“Oh, all right then. ‘Rapier’ could you please give us your take on the various stories we’ve been hearing about the Chief Death Eater”

“Yes, River, I can,” said Fred. “As our listener will know, unless they’ve taken refuge at the bottom of a garden pond or somewhere similar, You-Know-Who’s strategy of remaining in the shadows is creating a nice little climate of panic. Mind you, if all the alleged sightings of him are genuine, we must have a good nineteen You-Know-Whos running around the place.”

“Which suits him, of course,” said Royal. “The air of mystery is cheating more terror than actually showing himself.”

“Agreed,” said Fred. “So, people, let’s try and calm down a bit. Things are bad enough without inventing stuff as well. For instance, this new idea that You-Know-Who can kill with a single glance from his eyes. That’s a basilisk, listeners. One simple test: Check whether the thing that’s glaring at you has got legs. If it has, it’s safe to look into it’s eyes, although if it really is You-Know-Who, that’s still likely to be the last thing you ever do.”

A smattering of chuckles and laughter broke out across the room. People were smiling as they listened, and once again, Ginny marveled at the ability of the D.A., this community to find joy in the darkness, together. 

“And the rumor that he keeps being sighted abroad?” asked Lee. 

“Well, who wouldn’t want a nice little holiday after all the hard work he’s been putting in?” asked Fred. “Point is, people, don't get lulled into a false sense of security, thinking he’s out of the country. Maybe he is, maybe he isn’t, but the fact remains he can move faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo when he want to, so don’t count on him being a long way away if you’re planning on taking any risk. I never thought I’d hear myself say it, but safety first!”

There was more laughter about Snape. He was quite unpopular, especially after showing his true colors at a Death Eater and murdering Professor Dumbledore.

“Thank you very much for those wise words, Rapier,” said Lee. “Listeners, that brings us to the end of another PotterWatch. We don’t know when it will be possible to broadcast again, but you can be sure we shall be back. Keep twiddling those dials: The next password will be ‘Mad-Eye.’ Keep each other safe: Keep faith. Good night.” 

Everyone around the room was grinning, and the rapt silence that the group had during the program, broke with exciting chattering all around her. Ginny could help feel her spirits lifted. Darkness was coming, as sure as the sun would set and rise again, however there was always hope, as long as one had something worth fighting for, and people worth protecting.

** Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, pgs. 438-444 in italics.

Chapter Text

Despite the bleakness within the castle, spring bloomed early and as radiant as ever. The trees had fresh yellow-green leaves that were beginning to unfurl, the daffodils and tulips sprouted out of the grounds, and bees buzzed lazily around the flower beds. The lengthening days and sunshine provided some much needed relief to Hogwarts’ inhabitants. 

Students happily boarded the Hogwarts Express toward Kings Cross station for Spring Break, and Ginny was once again excited to see her family. She could feel herself relaxing slowly as they got further and further from the castle, and when she saw her family, Ginny broke into a huge smile for the first time in weeks.

 When they arrived back at the Burrow, Ginny immediately raced to the broomshed to fly in the garden with Fred and George. They tossed apples back and forth, and Ginny felt elated to be back in the sky. Flying had always been her safe haven.

They laughed and traded jokes as they trekked back through the muddy yard toward the Burrow. Ginny missed the simple lightness of life, the comfort of home, and the lack of the constant worry of fear that had lodged itself in her very brain, buzzing loudly all the time. Ginny and the twins were just sitting down to dinner when Shacklebolt’s familiar Lynx patronus burst through the window and landed in the middle of the table. 

Ron and trio spotted. They are at Malfoy Manor. Evacuate. I can’t hold them off for long. 

Molly jumped up gasping, covering her face. Arthur looked grave and shouted, “Get to the orchard, now! Grab your coats, we’ve gotta get out of here!”

They scrambled into the yard, running and splashing mud in their wake. Ginny didn’t have any shoes, her feet slipping in the mud as they rushed out of the house. They just reached the edge of trees when Death Eaters came running toward them. Their silver masked faces shouted, pointing toward them, their cloaks billowing behind them. 

“Take my hand!” her Dad yelled, and they were all spinning away. For a moment there was only compressing silence, nothingness, and then they all slammed into the ground. Ginny took a deep breath, her heart hammering. 

“Quickly, down the hill and through the enchantments,” Molly said, ushering them toward the gated house. They knocked and a small house elf let them in a rather grand house. 

Aunt Muriel greeted them at the door. “Molly, good to see you,” she said primly. She turned her nose up at the sight of them, dripping with mud in her entryway.

Arthur immediately cast several other patronuses to Charlie, Bill, and Lupin. Three blue weasels ran through the wall, toward their destinations. 

“Hello Aunt Muriel,” Molly said. “I’m afraid we’re in a spot of dither. Would you mind us staying here?”

“I did warn you against marrying rift raft like this lad,” Aunt Muriel said in her great bullying tone. Ginny could hear her father sighing tiredly. “But company will make a nice change for me.” 

Muriel showed them all to rooms, after making several choicy comments about getting themselves in a heap of trouble and casting them nasty looks.

The family waited with bated breath for news about Ron and the others. Muriel offered them dinner, which consisted of a four course meal that the elves served to them, most of which Ginny moved around her plate. At seven, Kingsley himself showed up. 

“Kingsley,” Molly said, crushing him in one of her hugs. “I can’t thank you enough for the warning, we barely made it out.”

“It was nothing Molly. It’s okay.” Kingsley said in his rich, reassuring voice. “I have an update per Bill, who made contact with me as he was unsure of your location. Harry, Hermione, Ron, along with several other prisoners of Malfoy Manor, including Luna Lovegood, Dean Thomas, Mr. Ollivander, and Griphok have all escaped, and are at Shell Cottage. However, the Death Eaters now know Ron is with Harry and aiding him, so the entire family will need to stay in hiding for the time being. Bill promised to be by with more information soon.”

“Thank goodness they’re alright,” Molly said. 

“When can we see them?” Ginny said. But Molly and Arthur both shook their heads. 

“No Ginny,” Arthur said, sighing. “As much as we all want to see them, they need to rest. They’ve been on the run, and from what we know Malfoy Manor has become headquarters for the Death Eaters and is where He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is staying. How they escaped is beyond me.

Not to mention, we all have the Fidelius Charm and I am not the secret keeper for Shell Cottage.”

Ginny was livid, but knew better than to argue. Maybe she could get Bill to agree to take her for a visit; he’d always harbored a soft spot for her. 

But despite the family staying up later than normal, Bill did not make an appearance until the next morning, looking careworn. 

Ginny hugged him fiercely.

“Hey Ginny,” Bill said, smiling. “I’ve missed you.”

“How are they?” Molly asked anxiously. Bill sighed, sitting down on the couch next to Ginny. 

“Well Dobby, the house elf showed up with Luna, Dean, and Ollivander first. Fleur and I barely got Ollivander in the house, he was so weak for lack of food and torture, before Dobby returned with Harry, Ron, Hermione and Griphook. Harry was screaming on the beach. As they disapparated from Malfoy Manor with Dobby, Bellatrix threw her dagger at them, and Dobby took it to the chest. He died there on the beach."

Her brother paused for a moment, a haunted looked crossed his face before he drew a breath and continued. 

"Hermione had been tortured by Bellatrix; she carved ‘Mudblood’ in Hermione’s arm with a cursed blade. Griphook had his legs broken, but Fleur was able to mend them. The trio, well they’re thin, skeletally so. They won’t tell me about the mission Dumbledore left them, and are very secretive. All three of them are a bit jumpy after the Malfoy  Manor incident, which is to be expected I guess. Fleur and I are doing our best to feed them and take care of them while they’re with us.”

Ginny’s heart ached. She hated that they had been through so much. She wished she could see Harry. Ginny knew how important Dobby was to him, and how he had helped her this year too, and how that loss had to be hitting Harry so hard. Just as she was about to ask Bill if she could come for a visit he smiled and said, 

“They need their rest Ginny. I’ll let them know you send your love okay?”

Her shoulders sagged but she nodded.  While she ruminated on everything Bill had told them, she heard Bill adding extra protections and enchantments over Muriel's place now that they were in hiding. 

At least she knew Harry and the others were safe. 

****

The next few days snailed along. There wasn’t much to do at Muriel’s and since she lived in the city, she had a postage stamp sized backyard, and no room to fly. Ginny paced the halls, bored out of her mind. 

She filled her textbook, page after page of her feelings and the events of her holiday. But even that only kept her busy for so long. 

Eventually Fred and George let her help make and duplicate their products. They posted an ad in the Daily Profit for an owl service delivery, and were still doing booming business. Aunt Muriel disapproved of owls arriving at all hours of the night, the booms and smoke that shook the twins’ bedroom, and the pranks they pulled on her. It entertained Ginny to no end. 

They were joined a few days later by Ollivander who looked so drawn, jumped at tiny noises, and had a fearful look in his ancient eyes that haunted Ginny. If he looked this way, she hated to think of how the others were fairing, especially one in particular. But Dean and Luna joined soon after, and the girls sobbed into each other’s arms. Luna was different, less airy and exuberant, more cautious and reserved. Luna and Ginny spent hours together, and took to sleeping together to comfort one another when the nightmares came. And they always came for them in the end. 

Ginny had written a letter to Neville, short on one side of the parchment, and long in invisible ink to detail what had happened to her, hoping he would think to check. She faithfully recorded everything in her textbook between the lines of print, her only source of comfort to deal with the horrors they had faced. 

It was ironic really; at one time ink and quill had possessed her very soul, forcing her to commit terrible atrocities, and this time, to record them. It seemed forever her fate to document her life, to fight the forces of evil near and far. Writing had been her downfall and her salvation. Only time would tell if the score remained balanced.

Chapter Text

About a week after they went into hiding, Remus showed up nervously ringing his hands together. 

“Is everything alright Remus?” Molly said, letting him in, frowning slightly as the anxious man stepped into the house.

“Tonks…she…she’s in labor. We can’t go to the hospital. Will you come help us?”

“Of course! I've had a fair few myself,” Molly said gently. “Ginny, come along.”

Ginny was so thrilled to be leaving the house, she didn’t stop to consider what she was subjecting herself to. She helped her mother gather some supplies, various herbs for potion making as Remus paced by the front door. Once they had everything, they set off, apparating from the very edge of the boundary. Ginny stood in the middle, linking hands with both Remus and her Mum. 

“I am secret keeper of Tonk’s home,” Remus said quickly, “Called ‘nigra ovis amor’. By taking you into the home, I am sharing the secret with you. When you leave in a few days time, we will recast the  Fidelius Charm.” 

He closed his eyes and Ginny felt the pinching compression of apparition pulling her away. They arrived at a small cottage tucked away in the woods. Ginny stood, holding her Mum’s hand, taking a few deep breaths of the salty air.  After a tight squeeze, Molly let go of her hand and they walked up the pebbled drive to the small house, following behind Remus. 

Remus knocked, and Andromeda opened the door. Ginny’s heart leapt into her throat; at first glance she bore an uncanny resemblance to her sister, Bellatrix. Her face sent her reeling, back to the Department of Mysteries for a moment, her heart racing against her ribs, pulsating violently inside her. After a steading breath, she was brought back to the present, and followed her down a hallway with her Mum.

They opened the door to the bedroom.  Tonks was sitting on a yoga ball, taking deep breaths with her eyes closed, her normally vibrant pink hair switching between brown and her favorite shake of shocking pink. 

“How far apart are the contractions,” Molly asked gently, walking over to Tonks and Andromeda. 

“Strong, every three or four minutes,” Andromeda said, rubbing Tonk’s back. Molly nodded, taking a bag off her shoulder. She pulled out some herbs, and began making a potion. Remus gently rubbed Tonk’s shoulder, she responded with a tight smile.

After an hour, Molly handed a goblet full over to Tonks, and within a minute she was smiling, walking around, and in much less pain. It was a long night of waiting, that stretched on sleepily. 

Tonks paced, and every few minutes panted and breathed heavily when a contraction hit. She shut her eyes against the pain, Molly and Andromeda uttered words of encouragement, rubbing her back, and wiping her sweaty forehead. It wasn’t until the following afternoon that she got close, squatting supported by Remus and her mother, screaming in agony. 

“I see the head! Push Tonks!” Molly said, ready to catch it. With a guttural primal yell, the baby landed right into her Mum’s arms. She muttered some charms to clean him, and handed him to Tonks, who Remus and Andromeda had placed in the bed propped up by pillows. She smiled radiantly, holding her son. Remus kissed her forehead and was beaming at her side. 

“What’s his name?” Ginny asked. Tonks smiled at Remus and said, “We decided to name him Edward Remus after two great fathers.”

Andromeda cried at the announcement that the baby was named after Ted, who had been killed months before. They passed the baby around, laughing at his hair which went from blond, to brown, to vibrant blue. Remus grabbed a camera, and took several photos of the baby, and showed Ginny how to develop it in a special potion. She smiled as she watched Teddy looking up at his parents, his hair shifting as the happy parents cooed over him, over and over on a loop. 

After a few hours, Remus went to tell Bill, and several Order members about the birth. And Ginny and her Mum said their good-byes and returned to Muriels. A house elf let them in, and they shrugged off their coats and shoes exhausted.  As they walked into the sitting room, her Dad sat reading a newspaper. 

“Well,” said Arthur, peering over the top of the paper. “What was it?”

“A boy!” Ginny said excitedly. 

“Edward Remus Lupin,” Molly said, sitting down with a groan, resting her feet on the coffee table. “And he has Tonk’s Metamorphagus ability too. His hair must have changed ten times in the hour after he was born.”

“How wonderful. And everyone is healthy?” Arthur inquired, smiling. 

“Yes, yes,” Molly replied. “Remus was so excited. He went to deliver the news to Shell Cottage, and I heard that Harry’s going to be Godfather.”

“Quite an honor,” Arthur said, smiling and nodding, clearly approving of the choice. 

“Well, I had the house elves save you some breakfast under a heating charm, and then I’m guessing you’ll want a nap after all the excitement.”

“Thank you dear,” Molly said, kissing his check. Once they ate, sleepiness settled deep into Ginny’s very bones, and she collapsed on top of her bed still fully clothed, drifting immediately into sleep.

Chapter Text

Ginny was pacing around the house, mumbling angrily to herself. Her Aunt Muriel was mumbling less quietly about her being "hot headed" and having a "temperament unbefitting of a young lady" which made her suppress an eye roll with difficulty. Her whole family was in an Order Meeting, and Ginny was left to pace the house with a sulky attitude. After most of a school year enduring the Carrows, torture, blood supremacy, and unspeakable horrors, Ginny felt she had earned a spot at the table. But all anyone could see in her family was her age and her gender. Rage boiled up inside Ginny like hot lava. 

She wrote in her journal, luckily the invisible ink dried quickly, because she was splattering it everywhere with the ferocity of her quill striking against the paper.

May 1, 1998

You would think, after all this time, people would realize that not only have I fought Tom, the Death Eaters, and led rebellion against these groups of the last year, that I belong in the Order. One might even realize that I have insider information into the on-goings within Hogwarts, to the reality of the life in the castle. I am sick and tired of always being treated like a fragile little girl who might break under the pressure. Haven't I proved that I am a fighter? Who fought against Tom and his Diary? I did! Who was a part of the D. A.? Me! Who fought against Death Eaters at the Department of Mysteries? Me again! I've withstood the Cruciatus time and time again, and proved myself equal to any other member of the Order. Why can't anyone understand that I have to fight? Who better deserves a piece of Tom that the very little girl who was tricked and forced under his spell?  Not to mention, not fighting alongside Harry isn't an option. I will do everything in my power to continue to fight with my family, to fight with Harry. And nothing, and no one, can stop me.

Part way through the hours-long meeting behind closed doors, Kingsley showed up to the house, the sense of urgency obvious from his shocked expression and the sense of purpose in his step. Ginny stopped writing, and pulled out some extendible ears, fishing the string under the door. 

"Ginevra Weasley!" hissed a shocked voice behind her. Ginny jumped a mile, at the same time she felt angry for being caught. 

"Of all the things I've seen you do, this one really takes the cake! You ought to be ashamed! A proper lady-"

"It's a good thing I don't intend on being a proper lady," Ginny said. "I don't really care what you think of me. You think you’re so much better than us because you have money, but really you’re just a selfish cow.” Ginny stormed away from her Aunt, who gasped, flabbergasted at Ginny’s outburst. Ginny was brooding in the sitting room by the wireless, fuming. A quarter of an hour went by and members started trickling out of the meeting, her parents, Remus, and Tonks stood anxiously waiting for the news to start. 

"What's happened?" Ginny said, the tense atmosphere ticking up her anxiety. 

Her father held his finger to his mouth and nodded to the radio, as her Mum adjusted the dials.

"Good evening listeners, I'm River, and you're listening to PotterWatch. We have an urgent report that we need to get on the wires this evening. With me I have special guest Royal with the latest." 

"Good evening River." Kingsley said. 

"I'll get right to it. Royal has heard about a break in at Gringotts Wizarding Bank. What details do you have?"

"All of these details have happened within the last hour, and because of Death Eater presence as well as the presence of the Chief Death Eater, my information is a little faulty. I do know that Mr. Harry Potter, along with his accomplices Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger broke into Gringotts using Polyjuice Potion. One was disguised as Bellatrix Lestrange. It is unclear if they broke into the Lestrange's Vault, or if they succeeded in taking anything, or even what they were searching for." 

"I thought it was impossible to circumnavigate Gringotts' defenses?" River said. "Any clues as to how they succeeded?" 

"Given the trio's capture at Malfoy Manor a month ago, where they stole Bellatrix's wand, the guise would have been very convincing," Royal said. "Rumor has it Ex-Gringotts' employee Griphook was rescued when Harry escaped Malfoy Manor, however if the Goblin assisted the trio today is still unknown. Having insider information could have been the key to their success."

"Have the trio been captured by Death Eaters or the Ministry?" River asked.

"Thankfully, they have not," Royal said. Ginny let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "We do know that witnesses say a dragon broke through the lobby, carrying the trio to safety before He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named arrived at the bank. I'm told his anger was terrible to behold, and that many Goblins were slayed." 

"Thank you Royal for the updates." River replied. "Here to discuss motives I have Rapier with me. Welcome Rapier."

"Hello River," said Fred.

"Knowing Harry Potter as you do, do you feel that breaking the Wizarding law in such a bold and flagrant way, was for personal gain?"

"Absolutely not. Harry is already wealthy beyond his wildest dreams being the Potter heir to the Sleekeazy potion, but also it would go against his very character," Fred said confidently. "There's no doubt in my mind that the Lestrange vault must have had some item or items necessary to bring about the Chief Death Eater’s demise. We know the trio has been in hiding but has clashed with his supporters and himself on three separate occasions this year alone."

"If I may," Royal said, "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's anger and appearance at the bank, after himself hiding behind his followers for the last year supports your supposition Rapier."

"Do you think Mr. Potter and the Golden Trio may be close to completing their mission?" River asked. 

"One can only hope so," Fred replied. 

"I think when there is an open fight between the Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters, it will mean the end of the war," Royal said. 

"For now that is all the information we have. Please stay tuned for more updates for the next few days. The next code word will be 'Potter'. Thank you, and good night." 

Ginny looked at her parents, her Dad embracing her mum, whispering in her ear. Kingsley came out mentioning he had to be back at the Ministry, quickly departing. The twins and Lee talking in the corner. Voices buzzed all around her, but they did little to calm the buzzing in her head. Hearing about Harry's journey on the wireless let her know he was alive, but was also a special type of hell. Harry had been in so much danger this year, fighting against Voldemort, and it was painful for Ginny. She yearned for him, but each new confrontation made her wonder if the next time she saw Harry would be at his funeral. Harry has brushed against death so many times, but this time felt bigger and different somehow. 

They started preparing dinner, Ginny peeling potatoes while her Mum bustled around her in the kitchen. She barely heard the directions sent her way, trapped in her worried thoughts. Just as Ginny started setting the table, Kingsley’s Patronus burst in, bobbing over her father’s plate,  yelling "Turn on the radio." They scrambled back to the sitting room, adjusting the dials. 

"Lightning has struck. I repeat, we have a new weather report at Hogwarts. Lightning has struck."

Another Patronus burst in, a lynx settling in her father’s lap. 

"Harry is at Hogwarts," Kingsley’s voice said. They must still be working on the plan. We need to alert everyone and assemble an army. He is going to know soon with his Death Eaters on the inside."  As Kingsley spoke, Ginny pulled her coin out, and she saw George, Fred, and Lee pull theirs out too.

"They're preparing to fight. Dumbledore’s Army just sent out the message," Fred said. 

Most of the Order rushed off to alert the others, agreeing to meet back to form a plan within ten minutes. Soon, Ginny was left with the twins and Lee. 

"I'm coming with you," Ginny said fiercely. Lee looked nervous but her brothers beamed. 

"I wouldn't have expected any different form you sis," Fred said. 

"Let's await instructions-" George started to say as their coins warmed again. 

Apparate directly into Ab's to avoid DE in Hogsmeade. Follow tunnel into castle. Preparing to fight.

"Well," Fred said, excited mischief twinkling in his eyes. 

"Let's go," George replied heartily. They walked into the courtyard and Ginny took Fred’s hand. She felt the brief compression, and then gulped an airfull into her lungs as they landed in the Hogs Head. 

"What is this? A bloody railroad? Where are all you blasted kids coming from?" Aberforth said gruffly. 

"Sorry," Ginny said. "Harry and Dumbledore’s Army are preparing to fight. We need to get into-" 

"Just follow Ariana," he said, gesturing to the portrait. They clamored into the long winding tunnel, excitement flooding Ginny's veins. She was going to see Harry. They were going to fight. 

It finally felt like everything they'd been resisting for so long was coming to fruition. The torture, rallying of the D.A., constant worry, countless sleepless nights, horrific news of deaths and disappearances, it was finally going to come down to this, the Battle of Hogwarts. One way or another, it'd all be over tonight. 

After a long, damp, and winding walk through the underground tunnel, the back of Ariana's twin portrait frame appeared. As they reached the end of the tunnel it swung open outward, into a large room full of familiar faces, Ginny's eyes swept over the crowd seeing Luna, Dean, Neville, but her eyes sought those familiar green ones. As she found them, her heart skipped a beat. Ginny drank him in; brown eyes meeting green. They only had eyes for each other for a moment. 

He was thin, impossibly so, with angry red circles scaring his arms and face. His wild hair was tousled and more crazy than usual, perhaps from the dragon ride, she thought. Despite all this, she never thought he looked more handsome. His face split into a crooked grin as they looked at one another. 

"Harry," she said breathlessly. He just smiled back at her. 

"Six months she hasn't seen me, it's like I'm Franky first year," Ron said annoyed. "I'm only her brother." She noticed he was covered in the same angry red burns. 

Hermione was smirking and holding in a laugh. 

Seamus said, “She's got lots of those. There's only one Harry Potter." 

Ron spat, "Shut up Seamus," shaking his head. 

And still Ginny couldn’t look away from Harry. The others pulled Harry into a conversation about the diadem of Ravenclaw, forcing their attention away from each other finally. When Cho stood and offered to show Harry the Ravenclaw tower a little too excitedly, jealousy reared its ugly head, and Ginny found herself saying, “No, Luna will take Harry, won't you Luna?”

“Oooh, yes, I’d like to,” said Luna happily, giving Ginny a sly wink.  And then they were invisibly slipping through the room as the remaining people made a battle plan. She ran up and hugged Ron and Hermione. 

“Now she acknowledges me,” Ron said, pretending to be exasperated. 

“Well, Seamus is right, you know,” Ginny quipped.

“Brat,” he huffed out, affectionately. 

“But I did miss you. I’m glad you’re safe.” Ginny said. They looked exhausted, and had a rather haggard look about them that mirrored Harry’s. 

As Luna and Harry were off on their mission, the portrait opened to reveal many other members of the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore’s Army; Kingsley, Lupin, Oliver Wood, Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, Bill and Fleur, and her Mum and Dad.

Harry came back with Luna in tow, shocked to see it so full in his short absence. 

“Harry,” what’s happening?” said Lupin, meeting him at the foot of the stairs.

“Voldemort’s on his way, they’re barricading the school–Snape’s run for it–What are you doing here? How did you know?”

“We sent messages to the rest of Dumbledore’s Army,” Fred explained. “You couldn't expect everyone to miss the fun, Harry, and the D.A. let the Order of the Phoenix know, and it all kind of snowballed.”

“What first, Harry,” called George. “What’s going on?”

“They’re evacuating the younger kids and everyone’s meeting in the Great Hall to get organized,” Harry said. “We’re fighting.”

There was a great roar and a surge toward the foot of the stairs; he was pressed back against the wall as they ran past him, the mingled members of the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore’s Army, and Harry’s old Quidditch team, all with their wands drawn, heading up into the main castle…

The crowd was thinning: only a little knot of people remained below in the Room of Requirement, and Harry joined them. Mrs. Weasley was struggling with Ginny. Around them stood Lupin, Fred, George, Bill, and Fleur. 

“You’re underage!” Mrs. Weasley shouted at her daughter as Harry approached. “I won’t permit it! The boys, yes, but you, you’ve got to go home!”

“I won’t!” Ginny’s hair fell as she pulled her arm out of her mother’s grip. 

“I’m in Dumbledore’s Army–”

“A teenagers’ gang!”

“A teenagers’ gang that’s about to take him on, which no one else has dared to do!” said Fred.

“She’s sixteen!” shouted Mrs. Weasley. “She’s not old enough! What you two were thinking, bringing her with you–”

Fred and George looked slightly ashamed of themselves. 

“Mum’s right, Ginny,” said Bill gently. “You can’t do this. Everyone underage will have to leave, it’s only right.”

“I can't go home!” Ginny shouted, angry tears sparkling in her eyes. “My whole family’s here, I can’t stand waiting there alone and not knowing and–”

Her eyes met Harry’s for the first time. She looked at him beseechingly, but he shook his head and she turned away bitterly.

“Fine,” she said, staring at the entrance to the tunnel back to the Hog’s Head. “Ill say good-bye now, then, and –”

There was a shuffling and a great thump: Someone else had clambered out of the tunnel, overbalanced slightly, and fallen. He pulled himself up on the nearest chair, looked around through lopsided horn-rimmed glasses, and said, “Am I too late? Has it started? I only just found out, so I–I–”

Percy sputtered into silence. Evidently he had not expected to run into most of his family. There was a long moment of astonishment, broken by Fleur turning to Lupin and saying, in a wildly transparent attempt to break the tension, “So–’ow eez leetle Teddy?”

Lupin blinked at her, startled. The silence between the Weasleys seemed to be solidifying, like ice.

“I–oh yes–he’s fine!” Lupin said loudly, “Yes, Tonks is with him–at her mother’s–”

Percy and the other Weasleys were still staring at one another, frozen. 

“Here, I’ve got a picture!” Lupin shouted, pulling a photograph from inside his jacket and showing it to Fleur and Harry….

“I was a fool! Percy roared, so loud that Lupin nearly dropped his photograph. “I was an idiot, I was a pompous prat, I was a–a–”

“Ministry-loving, family-disowning, power-hungry moron,” said Fred. 

Percy swallowed. “Yes! I was!”

“Well, you can’t say fairer than that,” said Fred, holding out his hand to Percy. 

Mrs. Weasley burst into tears. She ran forward, pushed Fred aside, and pulled Percy into a strangling hug, while he patted her on the back, his eyes on his father. 

“I’m sorry, Dad,” Percy said. 

Mr. Weasley blinked rather rapidly, then he too hurried to hug his son.

“What made you see sense, Perce?” Inquired George.

“It’s been coming on for a while,” said Percy, mopping his eyes under his glasses with a corner of his traveling cloak. “But I had to find a way out and it’s not so easy at the Ministry, they’re imprisoning traitors all the time. I managed to make contact with Aberforth and he tipped me off ten minutes ago that Hogwarts was going to make a fight of it, so here I am.”

“Well we do look to our prefect to take a lead at times such as these,” said George in a good imitation of Percy’s most pompous manner. “Now let's get upstairs and fight, or all the good Death Eaters’ll be taken.”

As everyone chatted around her, Ginny edged quietly toward the steps. She was halfway up the stairs when Mrs. Weasley spotted her. 

“Ginny!”

“Molly, how about this,” said Lupin. “Why doesn’t Ginny stay here, then at least she’ll be on scene and know what's going on but she won’t be in the middle of the fight?”

“I–”

“That’s a good idea,” said Mr. Weasley firmly. “Ginny, you stay in this room, you hear me?” Her father faltered under her father’s unusually firm gaze, deflating slightly and nodding. 

The room quickly emptied of its remaining occupants, leaving quiet and apprehension in its wake. Luckily she was shortly joined by Mrs. Longbottom, and Tonks. 

“Tonks!” Ginny said surprised as she stepped through the portrait hole. “What are you doing here? Lupin said that you were with Teddy!”

“I couldn’t stand not knowing,” she said gravely. “I left Teddy with my mum.  Are we fighting?”

At that moment Harry came back. 

“Ah, Potter,” Mrs. Longbottom said crisply as if she had been waiting for him. “You can tell us what’s going on.”

“Is everyone okay?” said Ginny and Tonks together. 

‘S far as we know,” said Harry. “Are there still people in the passage to the Hog’s Head?”

“I was the last to come through,” said Mrs. Longbottom. “I sealed it, I think it unwise to leave it open now Aberfoth has left his pub. Have you seen my grandson?”

He’s fighting,” said Harry. 

“Naturally,” said the old lady proudly, “excuse me, I must go and assist him.” With surprising speed she trotted off toward the stone steps. Tonks followed in her footsteps, leaving Ginny alone with Harry.

Harry looked at her seriously. 

“Ginny,” said Harry, “I’m sorry but we need you to leave too. Just for a bit. Then you can come back in.”

Finally, an excuse to leave. She ran up the stairs before he could call her back, rushing down the deserted corridors toward the Great Hall.  She and Tonks shot spells at the numerous Death Eaters crawling about the grounds, stunning them. 

Ginny looked back over her shoulder, and saw Harry disappear into the Room of Requirement once more. She closed her eyes and hoped he’d be safe. She was so close to him, and yet they hadn’t had a proper reunion. That would all have to wait until after the battle, and yet, Ginny knew there might not be an after.

Don’t think that , her brain chided. She sighed, opening her eyes, and refocusing her efforts on stopping as many of Voldemort’s followers as possible from breaching the castle. She might not be in the thick of it like Harry, Ron, and Hermione, but the least she could do was make their job easier by holding off the Death Eaters as long as possible. And so she did exactly that. 

Chapter Text

May 2nd, 1998

Ginny and her family were all gathered around the body of Fred. Fred, always quick tempered, funny, half of her favorite brother combo, gone. Dead. It seemed impossible, even though she witnessed it with her own eyes. It could not be.

Tonight she witnessed so many friends die: Fred, Tonks, Professor Lupin, Colin Creevy. Each one another blow to her breaking heart. She descended further and further into the nightmare, begging, longing to wake up at any moment and find that this was some cruel dream. But this was not a dream, and there was no escaping the pain cleaving her heart with every breath. 

Listening to her mother’s animalistic howls, covering Fred’s body in anguish, was beyond heartbreaking. Always the strong backbone of the family, seeing her father fall to his knees beside his wife and dead child, was horrific. The knot of brothers clinging to one another, trying to make sense of this terrible unfathomable loss. 

Suddenly, a cool chill settled over the Great Hall, the air thick.

Voldemort’s voice reverberated from the walls and floor, and [Ginny] realized that he was talking to Hogwarts and to all the surrounding area, that the residents of Hogsmeade and all those still fighting in the castle would hear him as clearly as if he stood beside them, his breath on the backs of their necks, a deathblow away. 

“You have fought,” said the high, cold voice, “valiantly. Lord Voldemort knows how to value bravery.”

“Yes you have sustained heavy losses. If you continue to resist me, you will all die, one by one. I do not wish this to happen. Every drop of magical blood spilled is a loss and a waste.”

"Lord Voldemort is merciful. I command my forces to retreat immediately. You have one hour. Dispose of your dead with dignity. Treat your injured.”

“I speak now, Harry Potter, directly to you. You have permitted your friends to die for you rather than face me yourself. I shall wait for one hour in the Forbidden Forest. If, at the end of that hour, you have not come to me, have not given yourself up, then battle recommences. This time, I shall enter the fray myself, Harry Potter, and I shall find you, and I shall punish every last man, woman, and child who has tried to conceal you from me. One hour.”

Ginny knew Harry, and so did Tom. Tom, who had betrayed her own trust, had taken the time to know his enemy, and knew as certain as she did, that Harry would rather meet his death than be responsible for the death of friend. 

Not for the first time, her heart clenched with a terrible fear. But as she looked up, looking away from the strangely void eyes on Fred’s pale face, she saw that Harry had disappeared. It should be impossible, but somehow Ginny’s grief increased tenfold, and another wail of misery consumed her, tears streaming down her face.  Ginny clutched onto Hermione desperately, blinded by her tears. Fred, oh Fred .

After several painful moments, when the last of Ginny’s tears had fallen, Madam Pomphrey apologetically asked for volunteers to bring in more of the dead and injured so she could continue to treat those who needed it. 

Ginny followed her and Neville out, looking at the many bodies that littered the courtyard and grounds. It was a daunting task, but Ginny continued to focus on just putting one foot in front of the other. Her motions were automatic, and she distanced herself from them, as if looking at them from the end of a long tunnel. One body after another, the carnage insurmountable.

She came across a young girl, fatally wounded, slowly bleeding out before her eyes. Ginny knew there was no hope for the girl, no hope for any of them. She was crying, clenching Ginny’s hand with her own, in anguish. 

“It’s all right,” Ginny was saying. “It’s okay. We’re going to get you inside.”

“But I want to go home,” whispered the girl, the color draining from her face. “I don’t want to fight anymore!”

“I know,” said Ginny, and her voice broke. She understood that feeling all too well. “It’s going to be alright.”

Suddenly she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, and she looked around. Harry. She could have sworn that she felt his presence but she didn’t see anything. He might have on his cloak, she thought, and for a terrible moment, she thought perhaps he was going to join Tom in the forest. 

“Harry, don’t,” she whispered. When she turned back around, the girl was gone. Crying softly, Ginny gently closed her eyelids with her fingers, cradled her body against her own, and gently carried her back to the castle. 

Ginny followed the countless others gently laying their friends and family to rest along the Great Hall, and she set the girl down beside the numerous others. So many that the bodies now stretched one whole length of the hall, dotted with mourners here and there among the crumbling remains of the castle. It was a horrible sight to behold. 

Ginny continued to move bodies and aid the injured, taking inventory of those she’d seen, trying to take stock of who she loved and their status: Dead, alive, injured. Dead, alive, injured. On the list went, as the first rays from the sun blinded them over the horizon. It seemed impossible that time went on, when there was so much loss surrounding them, when time would not go on for so many. Life was cruel that way, never yielding to feel, to mourn. On it went, whether you were ready or not. 

Ginny sat for a moment on the mountains of rock that once were part of the castle's walls, blown apart in the battle. She wiped sweat from her brow; she was exhausted both mentally and emotionally. 

Suddenly Voldemort’s voice echoed across the grounds and all of Hogwarts. 

“Harry Potter is dead.”

Ginny’s world ceased to exist. She stood up so quickly, she stumbled a few paces before her father was at her side, righting her. 

“He was killed as he ran away, trying to save himself while you lay down your lives for him. We bring you his body as proof that your hero is gone. 

Ginny’s vision went blurry as she tried in vain to suck in a breath. Every word Tom uttered was another knife in her heart. 

“The battle is won. You have lost half of your fighters. My Death Eaters outnumber you, and the Boy Who Lived is finished. There must be no more war. Anyone who continues to resist, man woman, or child, will be slaughtered, as will every member of their family. Come out of the castle now, kneel before me, and you shall be spared. Your parents and children, your brothers and sisters will live and be forgiven, and you will join me in the new world we shall build together.”

Slowly, those who were able, trickled out of the castle. Many were covered in dust and grime from the castle, some with blood plastered on various parts of their bodies. They watched, silently, as Voldemort led his followers out of the Forbidden forest. A wall of people slowly made their way to the courtyard, with Hagrid towering over the others, a body held high in his hands. 

Ginny fell to her knees. All around her, voices screamed, but she didn’t couldn’t make sense of anything going on around her.

“No!”

“HARRY!”

“No! No no no!”

The anguish rippled through them all. The worst had come to pass, and Ginny wished she was dead. She wanted to join Fred, Tonks, Remus, Colin, Dobby, and Harry, oh Harry. Tears blurred her vision and Ginny could scarcely breathe. 

“SILENCE!” cried Voldemort… “It is over!...You see? Harry Potter is dead! Do you understand now, deluded ones? He was nothing, ever, but a boy who relied on others to sacrifice himself for him!”

She heard Ron cry, “He beat you!” as others joined the shouting and protested Voldemort’s words. Her father helped her to her feet, his own face wet with tears. 

She missed an exchange that Neville was having with Voldemort; she was too lost in her grief as it crashed over her to hear what was happening. Suddenly Neville lopped the head off the snake, and Harry disappeared. Where did his body go?

It was mass chaos. Everyone everywhere was fighting again, but Ginny was numb to it. She wanted to die, to join Harry. What kind of future would it be to be ruled by Voldemort? Not one worth living, especially if Harry was gone. 

All these months she had held out a sliver of hope, and that had sustained her through the worst moments.  Every time she was tortured, every slander against Muggleborns and blood traitors, all of it had been worth it as a part of the fight back against Voldemort.  But now that there was nothing to hope for, she felt defeated. 

As these thoughts swirled in her mind, she moved mechanically back to the castle, swept up by the crowd. Everyone was fighting again, but Ginny’s heart wasn’t in it. She found herself tangled in a battle with Bellatrix next to Hermione and Luna. Bellatrix's curse flew so close, she could smell burnt hair that singed on the side of her head. 

"Not my daughter you bitch!” Molly shouted , furry etched deep in every line on her face. Her Mom pushed her out of the way and began to battle against Bellatrix.  The two women exchanged blows so quickly and ferociously, that it was quite a sight to behold. Bellatrix squinted her heavy lidded eyes, an evil grin plastered on her face as she twirled her wand in her hand casting spell after spell. Her mum squared her small shoulders, blocking and attacking as she moved forward, blocking Ginny from her rival. Her Mum was a force of nature, every spell laced with fierce protectiveness. Ginny scarcely recognized this woman before her. Her heart raced as she held her breath, worried she was about to watch another person she loved die. But her mum finished Bellatrix with beam of green light that was so powerful it blasted her backwards. As Bellatrix’s body hit the floor, Ginny let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding, and rushed forward embracing her mum. Molly crushed her into a hug, familiar and warm. A scream of fury broke them apart sharply, as Voldemort raged about the loss of his closest ally. 

And then the strangest thing happened, Voldemort’s spells were blocked by a seemingly invisible force. He raged like a deranged toddler, wielding his wand in a truly terrifying manner against all he faced. And suddenly the impossible happened, and Harry appeared before them all. How many times had Ginny seen him disappear and reappear under that cloak? And yet, just moments before she saw Hagrid carrying his impossibly still body. How was this possible?

Ginny took a step backwards, shocked, laying a hand over her heart. Her heart raced as she took in this scene before her, Harry and Tom facing off for what she knew would be the last time. A flood of hope filled her as well as terrible aching fear. Could Harry beat him? Or would she lose him all over again after coming so close to victory? Ginny stopped breathing, and although life went on, and the two circled each other, it was as if time was suspended altogether before her. 

"Accident, was it, when my mother died to save me?” asked Harry. They were still moving sideways, both of them in that perfect circle, maintaining the same distance from each other, and for Harry no face existed but Voldemort's. “Accident when I decided to fight in that graveyard? Accident, that I didn’t defend myself tonight, and survived and returned to fight again?”

Oh Harry, Ginny thought, closing her eyes against the pain of Harry’s words. He had died. She’d really lost him, as she feared she might all those months ago, and yet here he stood before them all, shielding them against Voldemort. Harry had faced Tom so many times and been equal to it. Could he do it again? Ginny could scarcely breathe. 

Harry paced back and forth, continuing his tale, taunting Voldemort. 

  “You won’t be killing anyone else tonight,” said Harry as they circled, and stared into each other’s eyes, green into red. “You won’t be able to kill any of them ever again. Don’t you get it? I was ready to die to stop you from hurting these people–”

“But you did not!”

“-- I meant to, and that’s what I did it. I’ve done what my mother did. They’re protected from you. Haven’t you noticed how none of the spells you put on them are binding? You can’t torture them. You can’t touch them.”

Ginny missed the rest of the conversation and heard only her own heart beating in her ears. Her eyes snapped back and forth between the pair as they circled around and around, volleying their words back and forth but never striking. Time seemed to stand still in the first beams of the morning light. 

And then, at last, they each finally cast their curses. Voldemort’s green and Harry’s red collided in slow motion as each of them clutched their wands. As Voldemort’s wand arched into the air spinning end-over-end toward Harry, he caught the wand. Tom’s body fell with a thud of finality.

The crowd was so stunned, no one moved for several seconds, and then there was a roar of cheers that echoed off the stones and ran over the grounds, rushing and crashing over all of them, until everyone raced toward their victor. Ginny pushed and ran with the others, desperately trying to reach Harry, to hug him, to feel his heart beating, to verify that he was in fact, alive; safe. But a sea of people separated them; the crowd unaware of the magnetic pull drawing them to each other. Harry’s eyes found hers and she saw her own relief reflected there. She knew there would be time to talk later, that they understood each other completely. Merlin, she loved him.

She watched Harry get pulled away into the crowd, back towards the Great Hall, as Neville offered his arm to her. She hadn’t realized her legs were shaking. 

“You okay?” Neville asked gently. 

Ginny nodded, shrugged, and then started bawling. She fell to her knees again. Her emotions were tugging her in a million different directions, and yet, she hadn’t had time to process any of that. She had a sea of grief to wade through with loss after loss, and yet, Harry had survived and ended Voldemort once and for all. Neville enveloped her in a hug, helping her gently to her feet. He let her sob until she was able to catch her breath once more.

“It’s okay Ginny,” Neville whispered. “It’s over.”

She wiped her eyes, noticing Neville had his own tear tracks running down his dirty cheeks. 

“Thanks Neville,” Ginny said quietly, taking his arm. Suddenly a wave of fatigue washed over her. She was so tired. 

Ginny and Neville walked together back into the throng, embracing friends, and taking inventory of those still with them.

Ginny saw Harry sitting next to Luna, surrounded by people. He looked slightly uncomfortable with the attention, a faint blush on his cheeks. And he looked tired, so very tired. Luna muttered something, distracting them all, and Harry disappeared once more under the cloak. Ginny understood the need to be alone, to sort through everything that had happened, and she envied his ability to literally disappear for a little while. 

Ginny stood and walked once more toward her family, hugging them each in turn.

She hugged George last, who was barely standing. Ginny squeezed his hand gently before leading him away from the corpse of his twin. 

“Let’s find somewhere to sleep,” Ginny said, softly. And they walked back through the castle, over rubble and crumbled remains, past people scurrying all over, reuniting, grieving, and celebrating now that the war was over. 

Up the changing staircases, past classrooms and down long halls, Ginny was surrounded by ghosts of her past. Some of her best and worst memories had happened within these very halls. She wondered if George was haunted by it too. After all, he had never had a memory without Fred by his side. Who else could say they understood how lonely and strange he must be feeling? 

As they entered the dormitory, George collapsed heavily on a bed in the 6th year dormitory, with far more beds than normal. Once again the magic of the castle amazed her. Ginny rubbed George’s back as he cried himself to sleep, and she sat watching him for a while. Without realizing it, she drifted off soon after, eventually surrounded in the dorm by all her brothers, save Fred. 

And soon all of the castle's occupants were at rest. Dead and alive. The torture of loss and grief suspended until the dawn of a new day. 

Chapter Text

Ginny was up before dawn, as was her custom. Sleep had been an elusive friend this year, and today, after the battle, was no different. Horrific images from the battle bled into her dreams, waking her before anyone else. She quickly showered, dressed, and headed out to the grounds, trekking around the lake. The soft glow of the sun coming over the horizon illuminated the wreckage of yesterday: the crumbling castle, blood-stained grass, and smoldering remains. Half a day later and still dust and smoke hung in the air. Ginny walked on torn between trying to remember and trying to forget.

As she crested the hill, the sun was fully stretching its rays across the grounds now. As Ginny walked through the oak front doors she noticed one door was blasted into pieces, hanging precariously on its hinges. She forced herself forward, not daring to look into the Great Hall at the rows of dead, pushing down the tears forcing their way to the surface. As the emotions crashed over her, she ducked her head and retreated back to the dormitory, away from the carnage of the night before. If she doesn’t see the bodies, maybe those lost can live on in the world a little longer. 

Ginny paused in an alcove and sobbed bitterly. Although the war was won, she’s yet to feel the sense of relief she’d been expecting.  She'd been waiting for this moment for a year, and now that it's here, she's a mess. Everything is raw and heavy. After the tears stop falling, Ginny wiped her cheeks on her sleeves, took a steadying breath, and rose. Just as she’s nearing the dormitory, she saw Harry. He looked exhausted, his hair more chaotic than normal. They both stop suddenly, several feet apart, taking each other in. 

“Ginny,” Harry muttered, barely audible. Her name on his lips sends relief coursing through her. Ginny stares into his eyes, and then they meet in the middle, crushing each other in a bear hug. Harry pulls back to look at her, cupping her face gently with his hands. 

“You’re really alive,” Ginny said softly, her composure breaking, sobbing into Harry’s chest. 

“Shhh, it’s okay Ginny,” Harry said as he embraced her. “I’m okay.” 

They stood there, holding on to each other like anchors in the sea of grief; Ginny crying, Harry rubbing her back. 

“I thought I lost you,” Ginny murmured, looking up at him. She’s surprised to see tear tracks on his cheeks too and gently wipes them away.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Harry replied gently. “I love you Gin.”

“I love you too.”

And then they are kissing, with fevered intensity, pulling each other closer, hands everywhere at once. Ginny needs to feel him against her lips, her body, to know he’s real, to separate her nightmares from her reality. Harry answers in kind, frantically pulling her close. A door opened next to them with a creak, interrupting them for a moment. 

“The Room of Requirement,” Ginny said, staring at it for a moment before tugging Harry inside. They stumbled onto the couch kissing, pulling off clothes, bodies on fire for each other.  Ginny’s heart raced, a tingling gathering at her center as Harry touches and explores her body hungerly.  Soon they are admiring each others’ bodies standing naked before each other. In all their time together, she’s never seen him naked; she takes him in as his own eyes rake over her body.

“You’re so beautiful,” Harry whispered reverently. Ginny smiled, a warm blush crawling up her face. “I want all of you Harry.”

 “I’ve never…” Harry started, swallowing. She can tell he’s nervous, worry etched in his face.  “Are you sure?”

She nodded confidently despite her own nerves fluttering in her stomach. “I haven’t either, but I want to, with you.” They kiss again, softer this time, and then Ginny interrupted, “So no Veelas then?”

Harry let out a deep chuckle, music to her ears. “No Veelas. I was too busy thinking about you…missing you.” Harry looked at her with so much love in her eyes, gently tucking some hair behind her ear. 

They embrace, meeting in an entirely new dance, full of limbs, moans, and vulnerability, giving themselves to each other completely. Harry caressed the hair between her legs, gently rubbing his finger along her clit as she moaned.  Months of longing and missing him, worry, and fear all fly out the window. All of Ginny’s thoughts cease as she can only feel and be present with him. 

Harry watched her, green eyes roving over her face, taking her in as he explores her body. His eyes are smoldering. He added a finger, pushing achingly slow into her, in and out, in and out. The feeling grew and tightened, noises flowing out of Ginny as the feelings overpowered her. Harry added another finger, kissing her lips, neck, breasts as he worshiped her. And suddenly the tingling warmth snaps and pulses from her center to her whole body. Ginny tensed, her rigid body overcome with her orgasm, spasming with pleasure. She feels the flush spread up her chest, across her face as she howls. She slowly opened her eyes, her body relaxing as Harry smirked at her. 

And she wants to do that again, with him; together. She gently grabbed his member, which is leaking, and ran her fist up and down as Harry closed his eyes hissing. Ginny pulled Harry over her as he slowly slipped into her. Harry's eyes stared into hers as he slowly filled her. She felt the fullness and pressure fill her, as Harry and her are connected. She sucked in a breath, the pressure sharp for a moment. Harry watched her closely, pausing once he’s fully sheathed inside of her. 

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice lower and strangled. Ginny nodded. Harry rested his forehead on hers for a moment before pulling his head back, brown eyes met green. She nodded again and Harry pulled out and then pushed back in. 

“Ohhhh,” Ginny moaned. Harry closed his eyes, groaning. They started slowly, savoring this new dance, feeling the incredible sensation. Soon the feeling builds, ramping in intensity, and the moans grew louder, more urgent. Harry dug his fingers into her hips, Ginny dug her own fingers in his back and buttock, pulling each other closer as he slammed in and out, the couch creaking below them. 

“Harry! Oh– oh– oh–Harry,” Ginny moaned, panting. Sweat trickled between her breasts as they bounce into Harry’s chest. He slowed down for a moment, biting his lower lip. He pulled her up from underneath him. Harry sat back against the couch as Ginny straddled his lap. Her hair danced over her shoulders, tickling their chests. Harry looked up at her with such reverence, gently lowering her over him. As Ginny enveloped him, she can’t help but moan. 

“Blood hell,” Harry said. He rubbed his hand over her center as she went up and down, their bodies smacking against each other, the feeling building again at her core. 

Ginny moaned, quickly losing the consistent rhythm as the feeling took over, guiding her toward that warm, tight, tingling feeling once again. It was frantic, as Harry moaned with her. 

“Don’t stop,” she begged, as he pushed up into her as she crashed into him quickly. His eyes found hers again as she orgasmed again. They came together, his low grunts with her high scream, both rigid and desperate, riding their climax out together. Ginny’s body collapsed into his, spent entirely. She felt his racing heart pounding in his chest as she rested against him, catching her breath. Harry gently caressed her hair, rubbing the other hand up and down her back.

When they came down off their highs, and Ginny untangled herself from Harry, they stared into each other's eyes, smiling. 

“That was–” he begain, ruffling his hair, at a loss for words. 

“Incredible? Amazing?” Ginny offered. He smiled and nodded. 

“I love you,” Ginny saidsl. Harry let out a shaky breath, kissing her tenderly, his hands on the sides of her face. 

“And I love you,” Harry said. They cuddled for a few moments, and then Harry asked, “Will you be my girlfriend?”

“I never stopped.” Ginny answered, a smile breaking out across her face.    

“I was so afraid I’d never get this time with you,” Harry said, caressing her hand.

“When you died?” Ginny said, tears gathering in her eyes. “Did you really–”

Harry paused for a moment, looking at her softly. “Yes,” Harry answered finally. Ginny closed her eyes, her face twisted in pain. 

“But I came back, I chose you Gin, " Harry replied in a rush, as if he hated causing her pain. “And I promise to keep choosing you, for the rest of my life if you’ll have me.”

Ginny brushed the fringe out of his eyes. "You are so loved," she said, kissing him tenderly right on his scar. They sat in comfortable silence, gently caressing each other, thankful to be reunited again. 

As they started this new chapter together, Ginny couldn’t help but feel relieved that the past year was over, and the worst had come to pass. They had a long way to go to heal, to change the way things were with Voldemort and the Death Eaters in power, to grieve the loss of so many, but with Harry by her side, Ginny knew she could face anything.