Ginny didn't look back at the disappearing door of the room that had been her home for the last three month. She grabbed her small backpack, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. While she took the stairs down, she couldn't stop a tear from rolling down her cheek. Vigorously, she wiped it away. If she started like this now already, she wouldn't make it far …

Walking through the corridors, she couldn't help wondering if she would ever come back here. Back to Hogwarts, that over the years somehow had become her home as much as the Burrow. And back to the Room of Requirement, now fortress of Gryffindor. She would miss the dozens of hammocks dangling from the roof and the prank-planning in the evenings.

A roughly painted farmer waved at her, sympathetic, as if he knew about Ginny's hard task. She forced herself to wave and walk on, although it seemed as if Hogwarts wanted to hold her back.

Her friends awaited her in the Entrance Hall. Seamus and Colin laughed about one of Neville's silly imitations of Mrs. Norris, while Luna carefully studied the floor (or rather, her invisible Quirles or Quarks or whatever these were called).

The trip to Hogsmead had never been this hard before. Ginny tried to smile, joke and share the euphoric atmosphere about the possibility to get out with the others. Those were considerate and attributed her forced smile to the fact, that there had been no news about the whereabouts from Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger for months now. She felt like a traitor when she noticed Nevilles worried side glances.

Knowing she wouldn't be able to see them for a very long time, she studied them secretly one by one.

There was Colin, who stopped using his camera for heroworshipping and instead banned the whole awful situation in pictures. He still hoped the Ministry would react, though an owl had returned just yesterday with another one of his letters.

Colin right now was doubled over with laughter about one of Seamus hilarious comments about Hufflepuffian fashion style. So were two first year students, like they followed Seamus wherever he went. These times, Seamus was the man for all problems, may they be big as getting detention or small as just another piece of cloth ruined by Slytherins. He had also become a master of hiding his worries about his family and his best friend Dean. Ginny could recall only one time he had been sad; staring blankly at one of Dean's beautiful artworks.

There was Luna. She had gotten so dreamy now, she even forgot to sleep. But that was ok, since she had started to tell them stories. These were the moments, when reality seemed to disappear and the students could lose themselves in the human ear as Wackspurts oder plunder Hagrids garden in search for Broccoli as Ruffles. Ginny didn't care anymore, whether these creatures existed or not – she had other problems than worrying about elves that loved to ride in washing machines and that are somehow responsible for the loss of your socks.

And last but not least, Neville. Neville, who led the most adventurous revenges against the Slytherins – and who didn't even fear Snape now. Neville on whos side she fought desperately against pain, the system and Malfoy. Neville, who took over Harry's vacant place as leader of the DA and who assured her every day that the trio had to be ok. („Because it's not like Harry would let Voldemort stop him from getting back to you, right?")

That's what they had become and Ginny suppressed the strong desire to hug them and tell them about her irresponsible, impossible, unbelievable plan. But it couldn't be, so instead, she dug her fingernails deeply into her palms and tried to hold on to her pokerface. A year of lying to teachers, feigning confidence in front of her friends and making herself believe everything was alright, had trained her.

As the houses of Hogsmead came insight, Neville told them about his newest plan: „ ... and if somebody should come, you are distracting him, so nobody notices how I cover their robes with rainbows and peace signs, Hermione taught me the spell, and then we'll have to run in order to turn up later and raise no suspicion ..."

Too bad she couldn't be there to see this prank in reality.

Times were bad but business at Hogsmead was blooming - at least the few times students of Hogwarts were allowed to visit. The younger ones literally emptied the sweets store to have something to distract them from their worries (and to help them over punishments that included starving). The older ones stocked up their supplies at Zonkos for their guerrilla war against the rulers.

After a quick but very expensive stop at Zonko's (they dealt almost only with products from Weasleys Wizard Wheezes nowadays), Ginny told her friends: "I'll leave for the castle first. I've to be alone for some time."

"But Ginny, …", Seamus protested, "Come on! That's the only piece of fun we can get now. You can't let it pass!"

It was so mean to ruin their day.

"I'm so sorry!", she lied and her voice quivered ever so slightly, "You know, I had been here with Harry so many times … I don't want to bring you down, too … Just enjoy your day and don't worry about me!"

Neville's sweet smile broke her heart: "We understand, Ginny! Just go on, we'll buy you something good at Honeyduke's."

Before the others left, Luna looked directly into Ginny's eyes, who felt like being completely see-through. "Take care. Your path is quite difficult and you could meet Slytherins on the way", she said with a tiny, amused smile that only Ginny seemed to see.

"Maybe I should better accompany you, then", Neville offered and cast a longing glance to "Seeds, Flowers, Selfpotting Pots".

"No, thanks. Do you think I need help?", Ginny declined. He seemed offended, but that was much better than him following her.

"Till later!", Seamus said with a bright smile, "See you this evening in the Room then. Can you steal some food from the kitchen on the way? There is no chips and almost no peanuts left and you know I don't survive without these!"

"Yeah, and some muffins would be great!", Colin added "You know, the ones that Dobby paints ugly faces of Slytherins on to make us laugh. And don't get lost, okay?" He hugged her shortly and then Neville pressed her at his now well-shaped body. They had never been this touchy but it seemed like they all needed a little comfort these times.

"Ginny!" Luna stepped in front and hugged her shortly and so strong that Ginny gasped for air. "Do well. And don't forget, if you meet a Tullip, let it lick the soles of your feet. That's a good luck charm!"

Ginny smiled warily. "I won't forget it, thanks. Till later! And have fun, for Merlin's sake!"

She turned and waved when she reached the end of the street. And she hoped the others wouldn't see the tears forming in her eyes.

Luna waved back, overboarding and Neville too, as if he was embarrassed.

Ginny's tears mixed with the dirty water in the ponds of the street. But as longer as she went on, her doubts changed into steely determination. Oh, to hell with Voldemort, she would absolutely get back!

Dear Passengers,

With this we have left the harbour and are now beginning our wonderful journey through a world full of adventures, love and mysterious creatures. As this was only the beginning, we'll stay much longer at other places. So please accept the shortness of this first piece.

As you mabye noticed, I, your guide, am not a native english speaker, so feel free to complain if anything about the service doesn't fit your taste. Also, if you have requests or would like to have a short appearance in the story, just leave a review. I'll gladly take care of it for you.

There is a German version of this story, too. So if anyone is interested, I can easily put it up. Feel free to ask!

Thank you for your participation!

Your Guide