Ginny watched as the first rays of dawn pored into the dusty windows of 12 Grimmuald Place. Please let it be over, was her only thought before her mother called her name bringing her mind back to the task at hand.
"Ginny dear, can you hand me more of that blood- replenishing potion?" Ginny handed Mrs. Weasley a small flask before turning back to an elderly man who lay unconscious by her side.
"It's the last bit of it." Ginny confessed looking back to the old man that lay by her side. Molly nodded feebly and heaved a sigh of pure exhaustion. It had been a long night. Everyone had been pushed to his or her limits, especially Molly and Ginny.
Both had been told to stay behind and care for those who had been injured during the final battle. Masses of wizards and witches were being transported to the house of Black. Some were close friends, some they had never met before.
All the same while they worked hard to save these brave souls that had risked their lives, they couldn't help but worry that the next person that would come to them seeking aid would be one a member of the order, or even a family member.
Molly had been crying for hours with the thought of her sons and husband being out in the war. She tried to stay calm and clear for Ginny as well as her patients, but now that it was morning, she couldn't help but wonder if it was over and how everything had faired. Had good defeated evil? Had Harry won? These questions were on the minds of everyone.
"Ginny." Said Molly from the far corner of the room. Ginny could hardly even hear her for now her voice was barely even a whisper. It was a weak croak that held the tones of fatigue and grief.
Without hesitation, Ginny stood and rushed over to her mother's side. She could hardly even see the old wooden floorboards as she passed. She stepped over wizards and witches of all ages who were laid out upon the floor holding on by a thread.
Everywhere she tread was covered by quilts thrown about, sheets to cover the dead, and clothes that were ripped to get to wounds or old handy down clothes to give to people to keep them warm in the cold damp house. It was all they had now.
As she drew closer to her mother Ginny could read the look upon her face. Her lips were chapped and her face was beaded with not only tears, but also sweat from working so hard. Her eyes were rimmed with a light purple coloring that showed the aftermath of her emotions. And she was ever so pale as she looked down at a young witch who had obviously not survived.
Ginny took her mother in her arms and rocked her gently. "Mum you did your best."
Molly sobbed hard into her daughter's chest. "I can't do this anymore. We have been among the dead and dieing for too long." Ginny understood what her mother was saying. They have seen too many die, been around death too long to see any good.
"I know, I know." She cooed, looking at the woman who had raised her to see the silver lining in everyone and every situation. Gently she pulled her mother away from her so that she could cover the body that lay lifeless. Sucking in a breath, Ginny tried not to cry. She had to stay strong right now. Everyone was on edge. The light that was streaming into the room only made the situation clearer, not better. Ginny looked around and she could now see the people and their suffering. She needed a sign to let her know everything would be ok she thought as she closed her eyes for a moment. Taking a few slow breaths she found the courage and strength to open her eyes and face all of this for as long as she needed to.
"Mum, Ginny!" Looking around, both Ginny and Molly tried to find who had just called their name. It sounded like Fred and George, Ginny thought for a moment. Her heart leapt at the thought but the rational side of her told her that she was just imagining things.
"Oi, Gin!" She wasn't imagining things. That was Fred. It had to be. Leaping to her feet she rushed to the hall, practically tripping herself over the throng of bodies strewn upon the floor but all she wanted was to see her brothers. As she turned a corner, she just caught a glimpse of red hair. And when she saw their freckled faces she never thought she would ever be so happy in her entire life.
"Fred, George," she cried, flinging her arms around both of them. They both grabbed her up and gave the biggest bear hug they had ever given.
"My Babies!" Molly shrieked. She stumbled and a few times caught herself before she got to Fred and George. Ginny stood away a few steps and just watched as Molly grabbed the twins from around their middle through tears of absolute joy. "Are you hurt? Where's your father? Oh please tell me that you've looking after Ron! Oh my little Ron." She cried at the thought of her youngest son out in the worst of it all.
"A few bumps," Fred shrugged.
"And a few scrapes." George threw in with a wink.
"Nothing we haven't had before," They both said with identical roguish grins that made Ginny giggle despite the lump logged in her throat.
"Dad's fine."
"He'll be back soon."
"And Ron is fine."
"Last we saw of him he was with Hermione" They both assured to their mother. She cried in delight and grabbed them once more just for the sake of it.
"Come," Molly said as she wiped her eyes clean of tears. "You two must be starving and Ginny and I have enough time to sit for a quick spot of tea." Fred and George shot a knowing look to one another and clicked their tongues playfully.
"Same old mum." Ginny nodded but she wasn't paying one bit of attention, not really anyways. She had so many other things on her mind. Of coarse she was glad to see her brothers, relieved that they were ok, and grateful for the spark of joy, laughter, and above all else hope they brang. Still something inside her kept holding her back from being truly happy. There were just too many uncertainties for the next hour- the next minute to allow her to be caught off guard.
Stopping, she allowed her mother and brother to go off ahead, leaving her alone in the dark, musty hall. George turned, just before they reached the kitchen door and looked at her quizzically.
"Aren't you coming, Gin?" Hesitantly she shook her head.
"I think I should stay behind just incase someone needs me." Fred poked his head out from the kitchen and took on the same look as his twin.
"What are you doing out here just gathering dust?"
"I think I should just stay. You never know when someone is going to appear." The true reason she didn't want to go with them was that she wasn't ready to know what was going on. As much as she wanted the feeling of doubt and uncertainty to go away she knew whatever was going on out there was more frightening then what she was facing. She wished she could be a little girl again and pretend that everything would be all right. For right now though she would just have to pretend that she was little again and pretend everything was going to be ok and she didn't want to have anyone tell her otherwise.
"Mum said you had time to sit." Fred persisted. George smiled and went to her rescue.
"Oh come on, we're wasting our time. You know how she is when she feels required. She's like a mother hen." He gave her a wink and turned to go into the kitchen.
"Yeah, I suppose your right. I wonder where she gets that trait," Fred teased, following George into the kitchen. Ginny smiled and rolled her eyes at her brothers then turned and walked down the hall back to the parlor.
Silently, she walked in and grabbed the only available chair and took a seat by the window where she would be able to gather her thoughts. Curiously, she took notice of the muggles next door.
They were leaving their house and getting into their car to go to school or to work she supposed. They were talking to one another and smiling. To be able to smile on a day like today was something she wished she could do. She envied them for that second alone.
They were merely going on with their lives, having no clue whatsoever that the world as they know it, or rather don't know it, could change any second. They didn't have the foggiest idea that their lives could be in danger. She sighed with the thought of not knowing what was happening.
"Muggles don't see anything," she said quietly to herself. "Must be nice." She watched intently as their car sped away, leaving a faint trail of dust in its leaving. She heaved another sigh as the car disappeared into the horizon. She then turned her attention back to the sound of moans and groans.
"Miss," Croaked an elderly wizard, just catching Ginny's attention. She put on a strong face and faked a smile then went to his side. "Water…please." She nodded and lifted her wand from her pocket.
"Accio glass," a small glass from the kitchen flew to her awaiting hand. She set it down and flicked her wand once more "Aguamenti," she said, producing a flow of water from the tip of her wand to fill it. "Here you are," she said kindly, pouring a bit of the liquid into the man's mouth. He coughed and sputtered at first but then calmed himself.
"Thank you," he said weakly as he laid his head back down upon the makeshift pillow. Ginny nodded and sent the glass away. Standing up, she looked around then decided she would just go back to her chair in the corner. She wasn't even half way to her chair when Molly screamed from the hall.
"Mum!" Ginny shrieked, jumping at the next sound of dishes crashing to the floor.
"Ginny come quick!"