Hello! Sorry for the wait... To make up for my lack of uploading, here is a nice, long chapter for you! Please let me know what you think, and, more importantly, enjoy! :)


Ch. 6

After Bill left and all of the happenings from the past couple of days had run their courses, Ginny just wanted some time to herself. At this point, all of her brothers were usually off doing their own things and let Ginny have the kitchen to sit down with her nightly cup of hot chocolate. It was one of those drinks that brought back memories. It particularly reminded her of her father, since he had been the one to introduce the family to the delicious beverage. But more importantly it reminded Ginny of the more simple times of her life when the only thing she ever worried about was which stuffed animal she would sleep with and which brother she wanted to tuck her in at bedtime.

As Ginny walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, she noticed her mother sitting at the table with the Daily Prophet. It was strange to Ginny because she knew her mother never liked reading the paper. She claimed that the stories made her depressed (although she would eventually end up hearing them from her husband).

"Hey, Mum," Ginny said.

She looked up and removed her glasses. After setting down the paper, she fidgeted with her hands for a moment before speaking.

"Ginny, I want to apologize for the way I treated you earlier."

Ginny respectfully sat in the chair across from Molly at the table.

"It was extreme and I'm sorry for flying off the handle. I was just so worried-"

"No, Mom, it's completely natural," Ginny interrupted, knowing her mom was one to carry on unnecessarily after she had initially made her point. "You had every right to act the way you did. It was irresponsible for me to wonder off like that, and I'm sorry. I really am."

Molly looked at her daughter with an overwhelming amount of care evident in her eyes.

"I suppose you still don't want to tell me where you were the past couple of days…?" she prodded.

Great. This was the hard part. Ginny felt entitled to telling her mother where she went because she deserves that trust and respect. At the same time, Ginny knew that if she told her mother, she would never let her go back.

"Bill knows. It's nothing to worry about, but I want to keep it a secret."

Even she knew her response was lame and she felt bad about lying once again. Molly gave Ginny her infamous look of disappointment, and the latter shrunk in her chair a little.

"Well, I guess there's no way for me to change your mind, she said, defeated. Molly picked up the paper and headed toward the stairs.

"Mom," Ginny stopped her. "Please don't be upset. I promise I'm not getting into anything I shouldn't be. It's just… complicated."

Molly paused and thought about her daughter's words for a moment before she forced a smile. "Good night, dear."

"Night, Mum." Ginny didn't feel good. She really hated being so secretive about major happenings, especially when her mother was so worried about her. Ginny attempted to shake off her guilt by humming as she stood and set the kettle on their stove to heat water the muggle way. She made to grab the hot chocolate mix, and then stood on her toes to reach her favorite snowflake mug from the cupboard when she felt something brush past her. This caused Ginny to squeak and nearly dropped her mug. Luckily her reflexes were tuned in and she was able to grab it just before it hit the ground.

"Nice catch," the culprit said.

"That's my favorite mug, you know. If you made me drop that you'd never hear the end of it," Ginny turned around to look at him.

Harry gave her a sheepish grin and reached for the cupboard on the other side of her. Ginny smiled to herself and proceeded to pour the mix into her mug. After shaking the last bits out of the packet, she reached for the lid of the trash bin to dispose of it. Harry happened to reach for the lid just as she did and his hand slid on top of hers. She looked up into his eyes questioningly.

"Wow, you're really in my way tonight, aren't you?" she smirked.

"I could say the same about you," he retorted.

Still keeping his hand on top of hers, he lifted the edge on the trash bin and they both threw away their scraps. At that moment the tea kettle whistled, waking Ginny from her brief reverie.

"Well, this is cozy and all, but I should really turn the stove off," Ginny made way to move and Harry blushed while taking his hand back.

She poured the hot water into her mug, pretending she didn't realize Harry was still staring at her. But he was, and she felt a rush of emotions. She couldn't help thinking that it could potentially mean something more than what they called themselves. Were they friends? Of course they were… Ginny soon felt her cheeks beginning to grow warm, but blamed it on the steam from her hot cocoa. As much as she wanted to believe it, she didn't want to ruin any friendship they had. So she made up her mind to take her drink upstairs tonight.

"Well, I'm going to bed," she announced as she strode past him without looking at him.

"Ginny," he said, causing her to turn around. "I'm glad you're home."

She instinctively smiled at the comment. "Thanks. I am too."

Ginny continued to think about Harry as she ventured up the stairs and into her room. As she opened the door, a voice nearly gave her a heart attack. She had almost forgotten that Hermione was staying in her room.

"Hey," Hermione grinned. "What are you all smiley about?"

"Hermione, don't scare me like that!" Ginny exhaled and leaned against the doorframe.

"Don't avoid my question," Hermione approached her friend with a knowing look. "What's got you so happy?"

"Nothing… I do love just sipping my hot cocoa and sitting in my room."

"You can't fool me. I know that's not good enough a reason."

Ginny decided to ignore that comment and take a nice, long sip of her drink.

"Ginny!" Hermione whined. "Come on, you're leaving me in suspense."

"Hermione, do I have to tell you every single thing about my life?" Ginny complained.

"Yes," the older girl crossed her arms. "You're one of my best friends. It's code."

"It's late, Hermione. We really should be getting to bed."

"Ginevra Molly Weasley!" she shouted. "You either tell me, or I'll make sure your brothers know all about your photo collection of Harry from your first year… and second… and third…"

"You wouldn't!" Ginny gasped. The only two people who knew about Ginny's collection were Hermione and Colin, seeing as he was the one who provided her with all those pictures. She was rather embarrassed by that collection (and in her defense it didn't go on after her third year) but, then again, she never got rid of it.

"Fine, Hermione," Ginny caved. "I was talking to Harry downstairs-"

Hermione had a victorious look on her face. "What happened to giving him a break?"

"Well, I tried, but that's easier said than done, Hermione."

"Oh, I knew it!" she smiled.

"Wait," Ginny frowned. "I'm not being obvious about it, am I?"

"Relax, Ginny. I only know because we're so close and I can tell these things about my friends."

Ginny gave up being hurt and got an idea. "So, if you can really 'tell these things' then do you know how Harry feels?"

"Well, I'm not sure yet, but I think he's seeing you in a new light," Hermione smiled. "But don't expect him to do anything about it too soon. He's still overwhelmed with everything else going on and he'll somehow convince himself that he'd only drag you into danger by doing anything about his possible feelings."

"Of course," Ginny rolled her eyes. "That hero thinks about everyone else before himself."

"You say that like it's a bad thing," Hermione laughed, agreeing nevertheless.

Ginny didn't want to talk about it anymore. She told Hermione that it was time to go to sleep and feeling a mixture of happiness and confusion, she sipped the last of her hot chocolate before slipping under her covers for the night.


"Ginny… Gin, wake up."

The girl groaned and pulled her blanket over her head.

"Ginny," Ron said as his footsteps sounded on her creaky wooden floor. "Come on, it's already twelve o'clock."

"Shh, I'm sleeping," she tried.

"If you don't get up, I can always send in Fred and George-"

Ginny shot up in a sitting position.

"Fine, I'm up!" Ron smirked and his sister threw her pillow at him. He only laughed, turning out of the room.

"Oh, and by the way," Ron poked his head back into her room. "The rest of us are going to go play quidditch again after lunch."

Ginny thought of this as being a perfect time to sneak back into the alternate universe.

"I think I'll just start making my list of things to pack for Hogwarts."

"And miss out on a game of quidditch? Who are you and what have you done with my sister?" Ron shook his head. "Meet us downstairs in ten minutes."

After Ron left, Ginny slowly made her way to get dressed as her mind continued to wonder on the subject of the alternate world. It seemed to her that the more time that passed, the more it seemed like it was all a dream, and the more she doubted its existence. But she knew that in order to ease her mind, she would have to go back.

She got all ready and joined the others for lunch.

"Morning, Sleeping Beauty," George smirked.

"What did you do this time?" Ginny narrowed her eyes at the twins.

"What?" Did you hear that, Fred? Our own sister doesn't trust us!"

"Oi, Gin. That hurts. Deep down," Fred faked tears.

She rolled her eyes and sat down at her usual place at the table. After a lunch full of small talk, Ron stood up and announced that they would be playing quidditch in the backyard, followed by whoops from Fred and George.

"Come on, Ginny," Harry said when he noticed that she hadn't gotten up from the table.

"No, you guys go ahead. I want to start getting my things ready to go back to school."

"School? We don't leave for another few weeks!"

"But I don't want to wait for the last minute…"

"That's smart, Ginny," Hermione intervened. "I'll come with you."

"No," Ginny said a little too harshly. "I mean… Don't you want to get some fresh air and read a book or something?"

Hermione slightly frowned at the girl for a second before snatching up her book from the table and walking outside. Ginny inwardly groaned. Now Hermione was upset with her. Harry took one more look and opened his mouth to say something, but admitted defeat and followed everyone else outside.

Ginny wished Bill was there again. He would know how to handle it. Ginny made her way back to her room, trying to brainstorm ways to justify her absence in the real world if she was to go back. She avoided the responsibility for the time being, convincing herself that she would have enough time to think up an excuse while in the alternate universe. She pocketed the mirror Bill gave her and took the side path into the forest to avoid the others. The was cautious to not attract any attention, but was concerned that Hermione might have seen something by the way she looked up from her book and glanced toward Ginny's direction. Ginny could only hope that the bushes were thick enough to conceal herself. Hermione shortly returned her gaze to the pages.

The walk into the Chernobog seemed a lot shorter not being dragged through it like the first time. When she reached the palace gates, Holly approached her eagerly.

"Gina!" she shouted. "You must help. Your brother is being smothered by Princess Lacey, and cannot seem to get away."

Ginny laughed, not expecting to hear that. She assumed that Holly didn't question Ginny's absence simply because she had asked her not to. Ginny inwardly wished that everyone could obey her requests like Holly did.

"Maybe you can convince her. Follow me," Holly spun on her heel and led the way to the castle.

Before long, the two of them had entered the ballroom that the party was held in the other night. The decor was back to normal with several fancy-looking couches and tables, along with the thrones on the platform in the front of the room. Ginny was shocked. Her father was sitting with none other than Lucius Malfoy. To make matters worse, they were actually having a decent conversation. The image was too much for Ginny to handle as her hatred toward Lucius started to boil inside of her.

She turned to where Holly was motioning to see her brother with someone not much better than the Malfoys. It was Lavender Brown. Ginny groaned, wishing it was practically anyone else. But what could she do about it? If this was Princess Lacey, the best Ginny could do would be to convince her dad that his set-up was not working out.

The two of them were just as disturbing to look at as they were when they were together in the real world. Lacey was giggling uncontrollably, staring into his eyes- or trying to at least. Rylan had a scowl on his face, trying to scoot over on the couch as much as he possibly could. How much clearer could he be? Ginny wanted to laugh because of her obliviousness to the situation, but it was too disgusting to laugh at.

As soon as Rylan saw his sister, his expression turned into one of pleading for help.

"Hey, Rylan!" Ginny pretended to be looking for him. Lacey's head shot in her direction and she gave her a look half of confusion and half of disgust.

"Malia needs you in the kitchen," Ginny made up.

"What ever is she thinking, talking to a prince in that tone?" Lacey turned toward Rylan again. "I would never dream of blaring at you in such a way."

"I'd hardly call that blaring," Ginny spat. "Come on, Rylan. Malia's waiting."

He made to get up and Lacey hesitantly let him free. She crossed her arms in such an un-princess-like manner and pouted. Rylan practically ran out of the ballroom and the door gently closed behind him. Ginny turned to Holly.

"So, do you want to go find Malia and see what she's up to?"

"I thought you said she was in the kitchen," Lacey butted in.

"Yes…" Ginny replied lamely. "Holly, do you want to go to the kitchen and see what she's up to?"

"Most definitely," Holly said, her discomfort evident. They took only a few steps before Lacey piped up again.

"Pardon me," she said. "I believe you have forgotten to invite me along."

Ginny gave Holly another look that read 'Is she serious right now?'

"She is aware of your negative feelings toward her," Holly whispered so only I could hear. "She is simply trying to bait you so she can alert her father of your unkindness."

"Good," Ginny smiled. "Then she wouldn't be too appalled to hear me say this."

She turned around to Lacey and said, "No, that was on purpose. I don't want you to come with us, you cow."

Lacey gasped in the most dramatic way possible. It was even more dramatic than the real Lavender, and Ginny didn't think that was possible. Before she could say or do anything else, Ginny grabbed Holly by the arm and lead the way out of the room.

"That was ever so rude of you," Holly tried scolding her friend, but ended up laughing. "Nonetheless, I have always desired to see her get what she deserves."

"Why thank you," Ginny bowed very theatrically. "Now let's go find Malia."

As the two girls turned the corner into the kitchen, Ginny smiled cheerily.

"Good morning, Malia!"

"Ah, good morning! Or is it noontime yet?" she knitted her brows for a moment before shaking her head. "I can never keep time properly with so many tasks."

"Would you like help with anything?" Ginny offered, desperate to keep her successful streak of no questions about her absence.

"As a matter of fact, the fabrics for yours and your brother's new dress clothes have arrived just a few hours ago, and I would be very grateful if someone would take them down to Madam Mariel's Tailor Shop."

"New dress clothes?" Ginny asked.

"Yes. Your father purchased material for formal clothing, but he did not mention an occasion if that is what you are wondering about."

"Gina and I would be pleased to deliver them for you," Holly said.

"Marvelous!" Malia wiped her hands on her apron and led the way to the boxes. "You may take the carriage. Allegra should do for the outing."

Ginny saw Holly nod in understanding, and made a note to follow her lead. She still didn't know what everything was in this world, but Holly did.

"I will summon Donovan to transport the fabrics into the carriage. Gina and Holly," her tone became very serious. "I am expecting complete responsibility from the both of you. Your father would never approve of sending you two out by yourselves, but I trust that if anything were to go wrong you would turn the carriage around and come home immediately. Am I correct?"

"Yes, Malia," the two girls said.

"Wonderful," she smiled once again. "Go put on your cloaks and head to the carriage. I will call for Donovan."

Ginny followed Holly to the entryway where their summer cloaks were hanging near the door. After fastening them over their own clothes they made their way into the courtyard.

"Perhaps you can bring back Allegra and I will assist Donovan with the fabric," Holly suggested.

"Um…" Ginny had no idea who or what Allegra was, but Holly wouldn't understand that. She had been picking up on the recent things that the princess had missed or 'didn't remember', but hadn't openly confronted her about it… Not yet anyway.

"That's alright. I'll help them out," Ginny said with a smile.

"It is no problem, really. I know how much you love Allegra," she persisted.

"...I think I'll let you have a turn."

"Gina-" Holly said more seriously. Before she could say anything else, Ginny grabbed one of the boxes that Donovan was hauling out to the carriage.

Giving her eyes a slight roll in defeat, Holly walked around the corner and out of sight.

"Princess, allow me," Donovan tried taking the box back into his arms with the others.

"Not at all," Ginny said. "I can handle this."

"If you insist," Donovan smiled.

Ginny followed his lead as they loaded up the back of the carriage. It was a stagecoach with an open satin-clad rider's seat and a closed space in the back, big enough for a couple passengers or luggage. It had the kingdom's crest on the side opposite the door with elegant letters that spelled out 'Nightfall Royalty'. It made Ginny feel even more official riding in a carriage like it. She climbed onto the rider's bench, ready to go.

Holly appeared again, holding horse reins in her left hand and a carrot in the other that she was using to lure the horse in the correct direction. Ginny made the connection that the beautiful horse was Allegra. She was a stunning black horse with a white diamond on her forehead. She was a real beauty.

With Donovan's help, Holly hooked up the horse to the carriage and tossed the reins up to Ginny. As soon as Holly was seated next to Ginny, the latter handed the reins over, earning a raised eyebrow from the former.

"What?" Ginny asked genuinely.

"You have been acting quite strange lately," she started. "I have tried to ignore your out-of-the-ordinary actions, but it has been happening far too long for me to overlook it any further."

Ginny didn't know what she could say. For a moment, she contemplated telling her the truth, but quickly shook that dangerous thought out of her head.

Holly continued. "One subject you have always been passionate about is your horse. You never let anyone else even touch her. Why has that changed?" She waited for an answer.

"It's… complicated," Ginny sighed.

"We are the best of friends, Gina. You can tell me whatever you please and I will never think of you differently."

Ginny looked into the older girl's eyes and found real concern in them. She turned away and jerked her hands up and then quickly downward, startling both the horse and her friend.

Holly shook her head and stuck with staring straight ahead of her. Ginny felt terrible about not telling her the truth. She had been accustomed to this particular feeling in the pit of her stomach as it had emerged several times in the last few days.

Ginny was temporarily caught in her thoughts until they approached a small but busy village with people crowding the streets. They stopped and pointed as the carriage made its way closer to the bustling place, and little children ran to get a closer look. One little girl jumped up and down, grasping her mother's hand.

"Look, Mommy! The princess is coming!"

"Princess Regina!" other townspeople shouted, waving at Ginny.

Ginny was caught off guard. She was so used to things at the palace, where she was among equals (for the most part). Being around these townspeople felt more real, more of what she was used to in the real world. Ginny didn't know why, but it touched her heart.

After passing by a few crowded shops, the girls arrived at a picturesque shop with the name 'Madam Mariel's Tailoring Shoppe' decorating the fine wood above the door. Holly hopped down from the carriage, and Ginny followed suit. Holly grabbed a carrot from her bag that she left in her seat and tossed it to Ginny with a slight smile. Ginny took it as a peace offering for the time being, which she thought was very smart of Holly. They didn't need to be fighting out in public and worrying the other residents of the kingdom. Allegra ate the carrot greedily.

"Good girl!" Ginny laughed, patting the diamond mark on her nose. "We'll be right back."

The bell above the shop's door chimed as they stepped inside.

"Hello, dear! How may I be of service to you?" a voice called automatically from the back of the quaint building.

"Woah…" another voice murmured, closer than the previous one.

Ginny turned and saw Dean Thomas's look-alike staring at them in surprise.

"I cannot believe my good fortune! It is Princess Regina and her friend Holly," he said to himself, then bowed. "My ladies."

The two girls looked at each other, charmed.

"Very pleased to meet you," Ginny said.

"The pleasure is mine," he reached out and grabbed her hand, gently kissing it. Ginny blushed as he did the same to Holly.

"Dimitri," the lady's voice sounded again. "Was it you who rang the bell?"

"No, ma'am," he called. "Princess Regina and her friend have stopped by."

"Oh, how lovely!" she turned the corner, revealing the smiling visage of Professor McGonagall. "I was expecting someone right about now."

"Madam Mariel, we have the material-" Holly started.

"Explain no more, Holly dear. I will appoint Dimitri to bring in the material. Have you introduced yourself, Dimitri?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said.

"I wish I had the time to stay and converse with you lovely ladies, but I'm afraid I must return to my tailoring if I hope to complete everything in time," she said, disappearing to the back once more. "Twenty gowns and just three days to finish…"

"Wow, it sounds like she has her hands full," Ginny commented, earning a nod from Dimitri.

"King Lothar requested for certain gowns to be prepared for the memorial gathering for the Lost Soldier in three days' time."

"A memorial gathering?" Holly questioned. "There is no such event. Nightfall's tradition has always been to plant flowers at his statue on the day he disappeared."

"It seems as though Edowyn kingdom is attempting to alter that," he said with a grumble.

"Why? It does not do our beloved Lost Soldier any justice! A memorial 'gathering'," Holly scoffed. "It would be more correct to title it 'Our Unpromising Excuse for a Party'. What do they have to do with our Lost Soldier anyway?"

Dimitri shrugged.

"Dimitri! The boxes if you please!" Madam Mariel shouted.

"Yes, ma'am!" he repeated, making his way to the carriage. Holly and Ginny followed him out the door.

"Tell us about yourself, Dimitri," Ginny said, genuinely interested in the life of a townsperson after being around the palace so much.

"I will not bore you with insignificant details," he replied.

"You are not insignificant!" Ginny sounded like she was scolding him. "Now tell me. Unless you plan on upsetting the princess…"

"Very well!" he put his hands up in mock surrender, and Holly giggled.

"If you must know, I come from a family of ten. My mother is a seamstress- she works for Madam Mariel, you see- and my father is a blacksmith. Needless to mention, those are not very promising professions. Therefore, I, being the eldest, do my best to earn the remainder of the money to keep my family fed and taken care of."

"That's why you work here?" Ginny asked.

"Yes," he said. "And the hour the shop here closes, I go to the heart of the village and locate as many odd tasks possible to support my family in any way I am able. Occasionally if I help cart-sellers, they allow me to take home a minute portion of the products they were not able to trade in that day. In those cases, I am permitted to bring home a treat to my siblings. They adore fresh fruit and minimally stale bread."

Ginny looked to Holly to see if Dimitri was pulling their legs. She simply stood there, eyes sad. Ginny couldn't believe that there were people there who live such rough lives while she is given pretty much everything she wants. She felt guilty and said nothing more as Dimitri continued to unload the boxes from the carriage. He stacked three on top of each other and carried them without trouble into the shop.

"Where would you prefer I situate the fabrics?" he called to Madam Mariel.

"Simply in the corner, if you might," she responded. "I am very grateful for your assistance, Dimitri. You may depart early tonight."

"Thank you, ma'am!" he said happily.

"I apologize deeply, but I am unable to reward you your earnings this day. I am conflicted with numerous tasks and am incapable of acquiring my usual pay until these dresses are completed."

Dimitri looked at his feet.

"S'all right ma'am."

Ginny felt a pang in her chest. Being from a not so well-off family (although not as unfortunate as these people), she understood his need for money.

"Holly, I'll be right back," Ginny put a hand on her friend's shoulder for a moment, and then ran out the door.

She ran directly to the carriage and pulled open her bag. She knew she had some extra knuts in there somewhere… She rummaged through the contents until she felt the cool change. When she pulled them out, she saw a design of a crown and a Greek inscription on it. Rather than questioning when and how her coins changed, she closed her fist and turned quickly. In the excitement, her elbow knocked her bag to the ground and Ginny heard something shatter. Feeling dread sweeping over her, she looked down at the ground. Her suspicions were confirmed when she saw the mirror Bill had given her in several pieces. She picked up the biggest piece and tried speaking to it.

"Show me the Burrow!" She ordered.

Nothing.

Ginny shook the mirror repeatedly, hoping it might start working again. No luck. She threw the piece back into her bag and returned it to her seat on the carriage before making her way back into the shop.

"Take these," she shoved the foreign-looking coins into Dimitri's hand.

His eyes widened. "Oh, no, Princess. Please, keep your money. I will find a means to receive enough to feed my family tonight."

He tried handing her back the change, but Ginny wouldn't accept it.

"No, take it," she said. "Believe me, there's plenty more where that came from."

She noticed the disconsolate look on his face and mentally slapped herself.

"I didn't mean-"

"It is alright," he slightly smiled. "I am ever so grateful for your generosity. How may I repay you?"

"No need," she smiled back. "I'm doing it for a friend in need."

"Your friend?" he looked at her hopefully.

"Of course!"

"Gina, we had best be headed home. Malia will begin to worry," Holly reminded her friend.

"Good-den to you, my lady," Dimitri bowed, kissing Ginny's hand.

"Why thank you, kind sir," she playfully curtsied in response.

"And to you," he did the same to Holly.

"I wish you the best, Dimitri," Holly smiled. The girls waved once more as they climbed into the carriage. Once Allegra started moving, Holly turned to Ginny.

"That was a very good deed, Gina," she smiled.

"Thank you. Are there a lot of… those people in Nightfall kingdom?"

"The less-fortunate?" she asked. Ginny nodded. "Quite unfortunately."

"We need to do something about it," Ginny said, determinedly.

"I would be very pleased to assist you in your task."

"Then let's do it! I'm sure my dad won't mind donating money to the villagers."

Holly laughed at Ginny's excitement and they leaned back in content. Ginny's mind flashed back to the events with Dimitri and she remembered her broken mirror. She didn't know if there was any way to fix it, but she did know that her family was likely worrying about her again. She had been in the alternate universe for a couple of hours now and needed to make an excuse to go back.

Ginny sighed. This was proving to be a lot more work than she had thought it would be.


There you go! Please let me know what you think of it. And thank you so much for the favorites and follows! They do mean a lot. :)

-Megan