Title: The Magic Number
Chapter 1: Never Say Goodbye
A/N: Written for a-trip-to-honeydukes' The Magic Number competition, with the Weasley children.
Bill limped into the Great Hall, past the dead and the dying, the grieving and the relieved. He had helped carry some in, but now the flood had reduced to a trickle and the Hall was overflowing. There weren't enough Healers to treat everyone. Screams ripped through the air. The battle was going badly. Voldemort couldn't lose, and the Light couldn't afford to.
Harry Potter was nowhere to be seen. He was their only hope.
He paused for a second, listening to other families.
"You'll be fine sweetie," One mother tried to reassure her son.
"No I won't Mum. Just accept it. I'm dying." He choked out, coughing up blood. Her reply was lost in her wailing. "It's time to say goodbye."
Bill wiped at his eyes and continued walking to his family. The mass of redheads were crowded around Fred. George crouched by his head, tears still falling. Fleur stood a little back, hair wild and clothes torn, but apparently unharmed. He made his way over to her and pulled her into his arms.
"Never say goodbye. No matter what."
