Horcrux

by JadedofMara

The defenders of Hogwarts have lost their greatest hero. Ginevra Molly Weasley mourns.

"Harry Potter is dead. 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. 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 will be spared. Your parents and children, you brothers and sisters will live and be forgiven, and you will join me in the new world we shall build together."

Defiant shouts echoed through the Great Hall.

Ginevra Molly Weasley jumped to her feet and sprinted for the great oak doors, daring to believe in lies.

Professor McGonagall reached the doors first and they swung open before her without a sound. Ginny watched through another's eyes as she froze on the top step.

"No!"

Ginny ran.

She felt the blood freeze in her veins, and her breath catch in her throat.

"NO!"

"NO! Harry!!"

Ron and Hermione's voices didn't penetrate the haze around Ginny's mind. Her whole being was focused on the small, broken figure at Voldemort's feet.

"HARRY!!"

Behind her—all around her—the defenders of Hogwarts took up the cry of denial. Ginny didn't notice them. She didn't move; didn't breath. She couldn't.

He was dead.

Ever since the summer past, when she had heard Hermione reading from the book about Horcruxes, Ginny had felt that she understood more completely than anyone why they were so powerful. You didn't have to kill any one to make a Horcrux. You didn't have to kill anyone to split your soul.

All you had to do was give yourself—spirit and mind—to another, and the work was complete.

All you had to do was fall in love.

Harry was Ginny's first and only Horcrux, and Ginny was Harry's.

The purpose of a Horcrux is to prevent death. Harry had a Horcrux in Ginny.

His death was, therefore, impossible.

If only such foolish ramblings of a young girl's mind were true.

Voldemort silenced the shouting crowd with a wave of his long, thin wand.