Hey guys! So… I hope this has been quick enough for you. I try to update once a week, but sometimes I get a minor case of writer's block, so it takes a little longer. Especially when I get new suggestions (which I love, so don't take that the wrong way!). But I really want to apply any suggestions you guys have in my writing, because it helps me get better as an author. :)
Special thanks to:
Once again – TheOneNamedPandaPuff for continuing to support me through every chapter. Thanks a million, it means the world to me!
And to wolfgirl13 for the suggestion on going back to show what the others are doing while Ginny's in the 'alternate world'. Thanks for the idea! I'm trying to apply it to my story, so I'm sorry if this one's a little rough- I tried to squeeze it in after the chapter was already written.
As always, any other suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to let me know what you liked or any thoughts of what else I can add. :D
Chapter 4 – Constant Battles
The ground shook with each step the creature was making. I saw his shadow in the trees. I tensed up as the beast let out another scroar (A/N: half-screech, half-roar). Haydn glanced backwards at me to make sure I was okay. What he didn't see was the monster crashing through the last couple trees to where it had direct sight of us. He turned just in time to see its large claws whiz toward us. Haydn pulled me down just in time to escape being torn instantly. I was too shocked to get up, so I crouched on the forest floor with Haydn in front of me, slashing his sword at the Loviatar. The beast breathed a line of fire, but Haydn narrowly dodged it.
What am I doing? I need to help!
I desperately looked around to see what there was to fight the Loviatar with. The monster flapped its wings furiously at Haydn and lunged toward him.
"Haydn!" I shouted out. But the beast knocked him into a tree and Haydn lied in a heap below the branches. It slowed only for a second and hissed as it approached him again.
"Nooooo!" I screamed and grabbed the biggest branch I could find. My scream seemed to agitate the Loviatar more, and it turned on me instead.
I quickly held up the stick to try to protect myself. The Loviatar's beady eyes flashed at me, and I froze. I had to do all I could to hold the stick up and not show fear. With each threatening step it took, the more worried I became.
How am I supposed to defeat this man-killing beast with a stick? I don't have any fancy weapons…
Wait! Haydn's sword!
My head snapped in the direction of the unconscious Haydn. The Loviatar flapped its wings again.
Slower… slower, Ginny…
I inched toward Haydn's weapon at a painfully slow speed.
Just another foot and I can reach the hilt...
I scooted a slight bit more, but the Loviatar scroared again and reared, ready to lunge. I hastily grabbed the sword and pointed it directly at the monster's nose. It faltered for a second, but then reached its claw out again and struck the weapon, knocking it out of my hand and sending it soaring across the trees and out of sight.
I couldn't take it anymore. I closed my eyes tight and waited for the impact of the Loviatar's claw. I heard it screech and then felt the ground shake. I quickly opened my eyes and saw the beast lying on the floor, wriggling around as if in intense pain. Then I saw the wound in its neck. The Loviatar batted at the arrows stuck in him to try to get them out. I grabbed Haydn's hands and dragged him as gently and quickly as I could so we would be out of its reach. It breathed a rather weak line of fire, but caught my upper arm in its fury.
My hands immediately let go of Haydn's and snapped to the burn while I cried out. This was the worst pain I'd ever felt in my life. I dropped to a sitting position and the tears started flowing. My arm was in intense agony as a white-hot feeling seared through it.
I felt another hand place itself on top of mine resting on the burn spot. I jerked my head to the direction of the stranger and saw the familiar face of none other than Draco Malfoy. My discomfort of my injury turned into anger as I saw him. I smacked his hand away and stood up quickly.
"Ow!" he shouted as he fell back into the twigs and branches. "Fine way to treat the gentleman who just saved your life!"
"What are you doing here?" I yelled back.
He just looked at me aghast.
"All right, I know your arm is in pain, but that is no way to respond to me," he sounded more hurt than angry.
"Ugh," I turned away, my attention going to my arm again. "Just help me get Haydn back to the castle!"
"Very well, but I still think you should at least thank me," he grunted while hoisting Haydn on his shoulder.
"For what?" I snapped.
"For saving your life!" he repeated. "If I had not shot that arrow into that Loviatar's neck, you would have been gravely injured right now."
I knew he was right. I wouldn't be alive if he didn't help me. I should thank him, but this is also Malfoy we're talking about! Okay… well, Malfoy's double. But still. It's hard to thank someone you've had such a revulsion towards.
"Fine," I looked at the ground. "Thank you."
"You are welcome. Now come on, Gina, we must get you both inside."
I followed him, trying to keep my mind off of my arm. The pain was stabbing at me all the while. I clenched my teeth together to restrain myself from whimpering. We got closer to the castle and saw a group of soldiers rushing toward the forest.
"Prince Darien! Whatever is going on?"
Wait… Prince Darien? MALFOY'S THE PRINCE MY DAD IS TRYING TO SET ME UP WITH? I didn't think this could get any worse.
"Please take Gina inside to King Aidan. And help me bring Haydn inside as well," Malfoy ordered.
A soldier grabbed my arm right on the burn. I snatched my arm away and cried out in pain. The soldier looked extremely worried and apologetic, but Prince Darien was the one who was most concerned.
Once two other soldiers took Haydn off his shoulder, he rushed to my side.
"Let me have a look at it, Gina," he said. I shook my head as more tears trickled down my face from the lingering sting of the burn.
"Please, Gina," he said soothingly. He put a hand on top of mine and gently detached it from my injury. His face became white instantly.
"Is it b-bad?" I asked quietly, already knowing the answer.
"You will be fine," he said, lifting me into his arms and carrying me inside as fast as he dared.
I couldn't help but feel touched and surprised at Darien's care for my wellness. It was definitely unlike the Malfoy I knew and despised.
Right as we passed through the doors to the main hallway of the castle, my father rushed toward Darien and I.
"No, Gina!" he gasped. I looked at him and saw the anxiety in his expression. I felt guilty causing him so much distress.
"She has been burned… Loviatar in the forest…" Darien tried explaining, but he was extremely out of breath from trying to get both Haydn and I to safety.
"Thank you, Darien," he said respectively, and took me in his arms instead. "I'll be back shortly. Tell the others to come inside immediately."
By the time we passed the ballroom, people started spilling out into the halls and staring as my dad rushed past with me in his arms.
"Where's Haydn?" I breathed.
"Malia is taking care of him down in the guest room," he said. "He was supposed to protect you!"
"He did! He really tried… he just-"
"Didn't?" my father said angrily.
"No Dad, it wasn't his fault," I tried explaining.
"What ever was he thinking? He must have heard all the Loviatar surrounding the castle… The both of you should have remained in the courtyard!"
"I'm sorry-"
"I will need to have a serious discussion with Haydn. If he intends to keep his 'Head Soldier' status-"
"No, Dad! It was my fault!" I interrupted. This shut him up.
"I was the one who asked him to go with me. I walked out into the forest! I'm sorry, I just needed to get away for a little bit. Please don't punish him."
"Gina," he looked at me with an intense affection. "I have lost you once, I will not allow it to happen again."
With that, tears started making their way down his face. I felt horrible making this happen to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, ignoring the protesting sears of pain in my arm.
"I love you, Daddy," I whispered.
"I love you too, Gina."
He kissed my forehead and pushed open the doors to my room. He laid me down on my bed, and softly brushed the hair from my face.
"I will call for Malia to tend to that burn."
I smiled at him as he left the room. When he was out of sight, I leaned back on my pillows and cried. The pain was too much for me to handle… plus the confusion of Malfoy/Prince Darien. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to like him or not in this world.
I slowly drifted off to sleep, pain still shooting through my arm, and thoughts on both Haydn and Darien… I barely heard Malia enter the room, but felt her cool hands on my arm as she treated my burn. The last thing I remember before I fell asleep was a soothing feeling spreading through my injury.
Back at the Burrow…
Harry's POV
Ron, Hermione, and I were sitting at the table in the kitchen, looking over our lists for school.
"Oh, look!" Hermione pointed. "Dress robes are on the list again. I wonder what kind of dance we're having this year."
Ron groaned. "If there's a dance, I'm not going."
This earned him a glare from Hermione. "Ron, it's only one night. You can handle that."
"But all the girls make such a big deal out of it! It makes me uncomfortable…"
"Well maybe if you asked the right person, you wouldn't have that problem!"
"Would you two shut up already!" I laughed. Both of their heads snapped to me, as if just realizing I was there. There was a trace of a blush in both of their faces.
Those two need to get on with it before they end up yelling their feelings to each other out of pure frustration.
Yes, I knew my two best friends had feelings for one another. Who didn't? They're completely obvious about it. The only people who don't know are the two lovebirds themselves.
"Sorry Harry," Hermione said. Ron gave her one last look when she wasn't looking, and I could tell he was thinking about what she said about asking the right person…
Suddenly Molly rushed around the corner.
"You three haven't seen Ginny, have you?" she asked.
Last I saw her was this morning…
"Last I knew, she was in the backyard," I said, remembering the events of this morning. It was an interesting day... I'd never really seen that side of Ginny before. I've heard about it from her brothers, but only seen bits and pieces when we're at Hogwarts- never this much though. She really had a way of getting back at her brothers.
I remembered how she also attacked me for helping Ron. I couldn't help but inwardly laugh. I really liked the more outgoing side of Ginny. She didn't show it much, but once you got to know her, you realized there's more to her than you thought.
"Ok, just let me know if you see her," Molly sighed as she made her way through the back door.
"Yeah, I haven't seen her since she ran out the door earlier," Hermione said.
"I don't think it's anything to worry about," Ron shrugged. "Ginny disappears to her little hiding places a lot."
"I can't imagine why," Hermione rolled her eyes. "With all her brothers constantly on her back."
"Hey! We don't always torment her…"
"Really?" Hermione said. "Then why does she always tell me the opposite? She complains that it's horrible being the only girl in the family!"
"I mean…" Ron tried justifying his offense. "I guess we do pick on her more than each other."
Hermione just gave him a look of victory.
"Well, that's what happens when boys have nothing to do!" Ron put his hands up.
"So, you think she's just in some secret spot?" I finally butted in.
"Yeah, she's discovered loads of them," Ron said. "Every time we find one, she moves to another."
"Smart girl…" Hermione nodded in approval.
Molly rushed back into the kitchen.
"I can't find her anywhere! She's been gone too long…"
"We'll help look for her," Hermione offered. "I'm sure she'll turn up."
"I've looked everywhere I could think of! She's never disappeared for this long. I'm getting worried," Molly said, out of breath.
Ron and I exchanged a somewhat concerned glance.
"Yeah, don't worry about it, we'll find her," I stood up.
"Oh, thank you all," Molly restlessly gave us a smile. "Tell me right away if you find her."
"We will," Ron replied. We all made our way to the backyard where we saw her last.
"Where are her secret places normally hidden?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know- they're secret!" Ron teased. Hermione rolled her eyes at him.
"We've only found two of them before. One was in that tree," he pointed toward the trees by the lake, "and another was on the wall near the side of the house where no one ever goes."
"I see," Hermione nodded. "So we'll just split up and look then?"
"Probably our best bet," I said.
"All right," Ron said. "I'll go back on the other side of the house. Hermione, why don't you look by the lake, and Harry, go toward the woods."
"Agreed," Hermione started toward the lake.
I walked toward the woods. Where would Ginny want to escape to? I could definitely relate… Trying to get away from Dudley and his gang, I had to find a few places of my own. Luckily his group couldn't commit to finding me, so they just left me alone and found some other kid to bully.
I looked around and found nothing besides angry garden gnomes picking on each other. Not wanting to get involved, I jogged in the other direction. I started moving into the mass of trees, hoping I could find something there. Before I got too far, I heard a distant roar.
I froze. What on earth could be in that forest? I listened for another minute, but there were no more signs of life other than the rustling of leaves. I shook my head convincing myself that I probably imagined the sound.
"Harry!" Ron's voice called from the garden.
I turned around and jogged back into view of the Burrow. I saw Ron and Hermione standing next to Arthur.
"Did you find her?" I called, still making my way toward them.
"No," Arthur turned to me. "But the clock in the kitchen says she's 'traveling' somewhere… I have absolutely no idea if it's stuck or if she really is traveling, but I need people to help me look around."
"Yeah, sure," Ron said.
"You three can go anywhere you think she may have gone to, but stick together. Got it?" Arthur said. "We don't need anyone else disappearing."
"What do we do if we find her?" I asked.
"Bring her back to the Burrow immediately, and I'll call the others home."
"Understood," Hermione nodded. She and Ron both had very determined looks on their faces, and I thought about the seriousness of Ginny's disappearance if her parents were making us go to such desperate measures to find her.
Please, Ginny. If you're out there, please come back.
Back to the Alternate Universe…
Ginny's POV
I was walking through the forest, listening to the rustling of leaves. The soft crunch of dry plants sounded from the ground. Suddenly a breeze swept through the trees, and a faint whistling sound was heard.
"Giiiinnyyyy," it whispered.
I stopped and looked around. There was no one there.
"Cooooome hoooome," the peaceful voice said.
I felt myself nodding, although I didn't know what the voice meant. Come home to my real home? Or my fantasy home?
"Coooooome hoooooome!" it whispered louder as the wind grew and leaves were blowing in my face. It started picking up branches too, and I quickly covered my face before anything hit me.
I woke on my bed in my room at Nightfall Castle to someone slowly caressing my arm. I turned my head and saw Holly with tear marks down her cheeks.
"Gina!" she gasped. She engulfed me in a hug, and I hugged her back with my uninjured arm.
"How are you feeling?" she asked while wiping a single tear from her face.
"Better than earlier," I looked down at my arm which was now bandaged up. "How long was I out?"
"All of yesterday," she said. "You only woke long enough to shift positions, and then fall back asleep. We were all dreadfully worried about you."
"Where's Haydn?" I asked, remembering about him.
"He is presently in the guest room downstairs," Holly slightly smiled. "You know, he was just as concerned about you as well."
"Oh, come off it," I playfully shook my head. "Is he doing all right?"
"Yes, I believe so. He merely suffered from a concussion, and naturally blacking out beforehand."
"Thank goodness no one was seriously hurt."
"Although your father was infuriated!"
Oh, no. I hope he didn't take it out on Haydn! I told him it wasn't his fault!
"Really?" I asked, hoping I wouldn't hear what I was thinking.
"Yes, he was. The Loviatar attack on the night they were going to resolve the matter!"
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Yeah, they're a real issue."
"I am just relieved you are all right," Holly smiled at me.
"Of course I am! A little burn isn't going to kill me!"
Malia bursted through the door.
"Gina! You are almost recovered I assume?" she smiled.
"Yes, thank you Malia," I extended my arms for a hug, and she gladly gave in.
"Anything for you Gina," she said.
I thought about my dream and knew I needed to go home. I had no idea how much time would pass in the real world according to the time in this one. After Malia left, I swung my legs over the side of my bed and made my way up.
"What are you doing?" Holly asked in a worried manner.
"Taking a walk."
"Are you certain you will be fine?"
"Of course! I just need to check up on something."
Holly's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"Come on, I've been resting for a long time already. I need to get out," I smiled.
"All right," she finally said, unsurely.
I found that Malia must've helped me out of my dress and into my pajamas, because I don't remember changing. I quickly went into my closet and got back into the clothes I wore on my birthday, and slipped on my gold ballet flats. When I came out of the closet, Holly was no longer there. I walked out of the castle, carefully avoiding everyone I could since I didn't want to have to answer any questions.
Once I got out to the Chernobog forest, I paused. This forest was still scary, although it was a little less so in the day time. I cautiously made my way through, stopping and hiding at every little noise. I finally just started carrying around a stick in case something happened, although I learned a stick isn't that helpful against Loviatar.
I made it to the edge of the forest without running into anything, and soon was in view of the Burrow. I immediately felt homesick at the sight of it, and ran to the back door. I swung the door open and hopped inside the house.
"GINEVRA MOLLY WEASLEY!"
Oh, snap. Here we go.
My mother, looking as furious as ever stormed into the kitchen where I was standing.
"Don't you EVER scare us like that again! Where have you been? I want straight answers, missy. DO YOU HEAR ME?"
Well I guess that answers my question about time passing…
"Mum, relax-"
"RELAX? You've been missing since two days ago and you tell me to RELAX?!"
"Mum, it's okay…" I didn't know what to tell her.
"Do you know how much you made us worry? We thought you were ATTACKED- or WORSE!"
"I was just out back in the forest. There's nothing to worry about."
"For two days?! It's just like Bill all over again! And NEITHER of you tells us ANYTHING!"
With that, she stormed upstairs. I felt a pang of guilt in my chest, and I was about to go after her when my dad came in.
"Ginny, you should be ashamed of yourself. You might not tell us what you were doing, but it was wrong of you. Seriously upsetting your mother, and frightening the living daylights out of us! Your brothers plus Harry and Hermione have spent all last night and today searching for you! " He gripped my shoulders, and I couldn't help but notice the dark circles under his eyes. I could tell he hadn't slept at all last night. "I have no choice but to punish you for this."
"But Dad!" I started, feeling my emotions start trying to break their way out. "I promise I didn't try to scare anyone!"
"Well, then do you care to tell me what your intentions were?" he asked harshly.
I stood there with my mouth open, trying to find the words to say.
"That's what I thought," he said. "Starting right now you are to stay in your room, only to come down for meals. Do you understand? I'll decide when enough's enough."
I stood there, shocked. My dad has never acted this way to me before. I must have really struck a nerve.
"I need to send word out to the others that you're all right. But don't EVER try anything like that again!"
I stomped up the stairs and into my room, slamming the door for good measure. I didn't even make it over to my bed before I collapsed on the ground, sobbing.
How was I supposed to know this was going to happen? It's not like I tried to make anyone worry about me… It's not my fault!
Deep inside, I knew it was wrong of me to stay in the alternate world for that long, though I didn't intend to… I need to be more aware of that next time I go back. I scratched that thought. IF I go back.
I grabbed the pillow from off my bed and screamed into it. It felt better to let my anger out even though I didn't have the right to be angry at my parents… If anyone's at fault it's Bill for ever telling me about that stupid place!
I heard a tapping noise and saw a familiar owl hovering outside of it. I just sat there glaring at it for a minute, then realized it wouldn't go away until I took the letter, so I pulled open the window and granted it entry.
At first I didn't want to open it because I knew who it was from. Tasha is the owl Bill always uses, and I definitely didn't want to talk to him right now. I stubbornly sat on my bed with my arms crossed as I watched the excited owl fly through my room. I finally got annoyed at its cheerfulness, and took the letter. She perched herself on top of my dresser, and gave me a content hoot.
"Oh, shut up," I said crossly.
I wanted to drop the letter on the floor and kick it under my bed so I wouldn't have to look at it, but somehow I ended up opening it and started to read it instead.
Buttercup,
I groaned. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't be mad at him. It was only my nickname, but it made me melt and almost start crying again- this time out of remorse.
Dad owled me and told me that you were missing. I know this is probably the last thing you want to hear right now, but you've got to be more careful! I know it can be hard, and you can get caught up sometimes in that place, but believe me when I say it's not worth it! I've been in your place, and I know how frustrating it can be. Whatever you do, don't take it out on Mum and Dad, as much as you want to. They just want you to be safe.
I hope you come home soon and get this message. And remember that if you need me, I'll always give you time to talk it over. Love you, Ginny.
-Bill
I sighed. Well there was nothing else I could do right then, so I scribbled a note on the back of his letter. 'Right now.' I tied the letter back on Tasha's leg, and sent her off. I just stood by the window for a while, looking out at the yard. Soon, I saw Fred and George apparate, talking animatedly to one another as they made their way to the house. They barely made it to the back door before Ron, Hermione, and Harry appeared with my dad. My dad was still looking flustered, and the others were either looking worried or (in Ron's case) angry.
I knew it was only a matter of time before I had to face them, so I laid down on my bed and pulled the covers up over my head. I heard the muffled sound of voices and footsteps growing nearer.
Please don't come in. Please don't come in.
The door opened and I silently groaned.
"Ginny?" a voice called out.
It was Harry, I was sure of it. I hesitated for a few seconds, wondering if any of my brothers were with him.
"If you're here to yell at me, go away!" I shouted from under the covers.
"Come on, Gin. We just want to talk to you," he replied calmly.
We? Well someone's with him.
The light sound of feet on my wood floor told me that someone was coming towards me. I felt someone sit at the foot of my bed, and Hermione spoke.
"We just want you to know that if you want to tell us anything, we're all ears."
I slowly lowered the covers so I could see them. Both Harry and Hermione were looking back at me with such intent looks that I wanted to cover my face again. But I didn't.
"I didn't mean to be gone for that long!" I finally said, tears threatening to escape once again.
They had no idea what I was talking about, because I refused to tell anyone, but they stayed quiet and gave me some time to recompose myself. I wiped a single tear and sat up properly in my bed.
"I wish I could tell you," I looked at my lap.
"Why can't you?" Hermione asked.
"I… promised," I said.
Hermione gave Harry a confused and slightly worried glance, and Harry just shrugged his shoulders. I threw my head back and sighed.
"Well, if there's anything we can do… just let us know," Harry said.
I just looked at him for a second and saw the concern in his face. I nodded.
"Promise you won't hesitate to come to us?" Hermione asked.
I knew instantly what she was referring to. In my first year at Hogwarts I was possessed by Tom Riddle's diary. I wanted so desperately to tell somebody, but I couldn't do it. I was afraid of what they'd say or think of me. I thought that they'd run and tell everyone to steer clear of me, and I couldn't let that happen. Hermione was afraid that was happening again.
"Hermione, thank you for the concern, but really it's not as big of a deal as you think," I explained.
She looked at me questioningly, but I gave her a slight smile.
All of the sudden Bill apparated into my room, scaring us all out of our wits.
"MERLIN!" Hermione breathed. "What are you doing?"
"Um, I came by for a short visit," Bill lied. He looked at me.
"Sorry guys, but can I talk to Bill right now?" I asked.
"Yeah… sure," Harry said, still confused by the surprise visitor.
"Thanks," I smiled at them to try to prove that I'm all right.
They both gave me small smiles before they shut the door behind them.
"Thank goodness you're here!"
I ran to Bill and engulfed him in a hug. He hugged back with the same strength.
"Anytime, Buttercup."
I let go and we both sat on the edge of my bed.
"Now, tell me what happened, from the beginning."
End of the 4th chapter!
I hope you guys all liked it! Once again, if you want to let me know what your thoughts were on this chapter, please take a minute and leave me a review! And suggestions are always welcome. Thanks a million! :)
*Reviews are very important to me, I need to make sure people are enoying the story or else it's no use to keep uploading it. I don't mean to sound rude, but I need to know- even if it's just one word, it makes all the difference to me. :) Thanks for understanding!
-Megan