A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you for adding my story into your favorites, and, for the few of you who have, thanks for reviewing. If you haven't, please do, because I love to hear back from you all. I'd appreciate any questions or comments or suggestions! Now, I might take a break for a while... I'm going on vacation, but I'll update as much as I can! Love you all :)
Chapter 7 – Moving Quickly
I nervously tapped my fingers on the table as I stared down at my breakfast. Hearing someone approach, I looked up. Ginny's smiling face was soon replaced by a folded piece of paper, which read:
Gryffindor Quidditch Team
Ron Weasley – Keeper
Harry Potter – Seeker
Jimmy Peakes – Beater
Ritchie Coote – Beater
Ginny Weasley – Captain, Chaser
Demelza Robins – Chaser
Elizabeth Latham – Chaser
As I reached my name, I squealed and jumped up to hug Ginny. "Thank you thank you THANK YOU!" I yelled as she laughed.
"You are brilliant," Ginny hugged me back, "I'd be mad not to have you on the team."
The weeks flew by, and Ginny was working us all to the bone, double checking new ideas with Oliver most of the time, and leaving the team sore for hours after practices. I had developed a nervous habit of biting my lip, in those weeks, what with the practices plus preparation for our NEWTs.
Oliver and I became fast friends, and I was more confused than ever. It became our habit to walk back to the castle after practice, and my physical reactions remained the same. I tried not do dwell on it, my mind was already so full, but I was reminded whenever Ginny or Hermione decided to tease me about it again.
We rarely saw Luna because she was studying different subjects from Ginny and I. Hermione saw her often, because they shared several subjects. I missed Luna, and the brief moment I was able to talk to her brightened my day.
Even though my life was hectic and chaotic, I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I don't think any of my friends could complain, either, until Ginny and Ron were sent the letter.
Ginny, Ron, Harry, and I were sitting at the Gryffindor table, picking at our lunches. Hermione was still in class, so her usual seat was vacant. Ginny and Harry were playing footsie while Ron and I pretended not to notice.
When Ginny accidentally kicked me, however, I shouted out, "That's enough! Get a room or stop!"
Harry turned red while Ginny laughed. Her laughed died in her throat, however, when a tawny owl swooped in front of her and presented her with an envelope.
"It's not mail time yet," I stated obviously. Ginny, with shaking hands, took the envelope from the owl.
"It's from the Ministry," she said quickly, as she ripped it open. Her eyes blurred as she scanned the letter, and, as she reached the end, she gasped.
The letter floated to the table, where Ron snatched it and read it hungrily. Ginny's eyes glistened, and Harry asked, "What's wrong, Gin?"
Ron became very pale and handed the letter to Harry, "Go on, mate, read it."
I looked questioningly as Harry skimmed through the letter. He met my gaze and handed it over. The letter read as follows:
To Ms. and Mr. Weasley –
I regret to inform you your parents' house, referred to as the Burrow, was attacked last night. Your parents are fine, but Dedalus Diggle, the guard stationed, and your brothers George and Percy are both in St. Mungo's for injuries.
I've sent a letter to your Headmistress explaining. Go meet with her for her permission to come to St. Mungo's as soon as you can.
I trust to be seeing you soon.
Regards,
Kingsley Shaklebolt, Minister of Magic
Ginny's tears started to flow as Harry all but picked her up and carried her out of the Great Hall. Ron looked at me and took a shaky breath as he ran his hand through his hair, "What do I do now?"
"You're going to go find Hermione, and take this letter to her so you won't have to explain," I ordered him, knowing he needed direction, "I'm going to take care of McGonagall," my tone softened as I placed a hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry, Ron, everything will turn out right."
He wordlessly shook his head and walked away. I sprinted towards the Head Table. I reached McGonagall, and she surveyed me shrewdly, "Yes, Ms. Latham?"
"Professor," I gasped, trying to get my breath, "Did… did the Minister send you anything?"
She raised an eyebrow and was about to answer as an owl landed neatly in front of her. Both eyebrows rose as she looked back and forth from me to the owl. I motioned for her to read the letter. She quickly tore open the envelope and digested its contents quickly. With a small gasp, she looked towards me again, "Where are the Weasleys?"
"Ginny's crying her heart out to Harry, and Ron went off to find Hermione," I explained, breathing normally again, "I told them I'd take care of talking to you."
McGonagall rose, and motioned for me to walk with her. We exited the Great Hall, and she looked at me carefully, "You really care about them, don't you, Ms. Latham?"
"Very much so," I sniffled, not wanting anything, including tears, to impediment my mission, "They're the only family I have left, basically."
She placed a hand on my shoulder, for comfort or to stop me, I couldn't tell, but I slowed. We reached the stone gargoyle, and she turned to me, "Go on and find Potter, Ms. Granger, and the Weasleys. You can all Floo immediately, and I will have your trunks sent to Grimmauld Place later."
"Miss?" I questioned.
"Potter has not told you of Grimmauld Place?" McGonagall looked me over, and, when I shook my head, said briskly "You will find out soon enough. Go, Ms. Latham, time is of the essence."
"Yes'm," I ran off towards Hermione's last class, Arithmancy, in the vain hope she was still there. As I tried to run through the door, I bumped into Luna.
"Lizzie," she looked at me dreamily, "Are there heliopaths chasing you?" she looked over my shoulder.
"No, Luna, darling, no," I panted, "Have you seen Hermione?"
Luna looked at me, more seriously this time, "Just a minute ago. She went off with Ronald somewhere," she touched my arm, "What's the matter, Lizzie?"
I ran off towards Gryffindor tower, yelling over my shoulder, "I'll have to explain later! Thank you, Luna!"
Before I knew it, I was in front of the Fat Lady. She eyed me, "Password?"
"Leprechaun!" I gasped, and slipped in before letting her swing all the way open. I scanned the room quickly, and, after seeing Ron and Hermione weren't there, ran up the stairs to the boys' dormitory.
I threw open the door and startled Hermione, who had been holding Ron from what I could see. Ron barely looked phased, but managed to croak out, "Lizzie?"
"Ron," I exhaled, "Hermione, we're leaving to St. Mungo's immediately. Don't worry about your things, McGonagall said she'd take care of it."
"Thanks, Lizzie," Hermione nodded as she helped Ron stand on shaky legs, "We're coming."
"I'm supposed to find Harry and Ginny, too. Any idea where they are?" I wrung my hands nervously.
"Go check near the lake," Hermione nodded her head in the vague direction of the Black Lake, "Do you need help?"
I shook my head, "No," I looked quickly at Ron, who was shuffling his way out of the room, "Go with Ron."
She nodded, and I ran before them, wanting to learn of the hurt ones' fates. I nudged through a crowd of students and teachers, bumping into several people. I tripped over something, or someone, and a pair of strong arms caught me.
"Elizabeth?" Oliver's concerned face peered down into mine.
"I can't talk, Oliver," I straightened myself, expecting him to let go. When he didn't, I tried to explain, "Something's happened, and I can't talk about it now."
"I can help, if you need it," he offered, still holding onto me.
"Thanks, but…" I paused, then started again, "Actually, yeah. Have you seen Ginny and Harry?"
"Yeah," he nodded, "They're by the lake," he looked me right in the eye and studied me carefully, "Are you sure you can't tell me now?"
I nodded, looking over his shoulder, not wanting to be deterred by his eyes, "Very much so. Later, Oliver, I promise."
"Okay," he released me, "Take care."
The last part washed over my ears, and I closed my eyes for a moment, to remember the moment. I opened my eyes after committing his words to memory, "I will. See you."
I turned and ran towards the lake. I saw Ginny's hair before I saw either or them. The red was like a beacon, and I rushed towards it.
"GINNY!" I screamed, and I saw Harry's and her heads turn towards me, I waved frantically and they rushed towards me.
"What is it Lizzie?" Ginny choked out, tears still running down her face.
"We're leaving for St. Mungo's," I grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the castle, "Come on!"
Ginny grabbed Harry's wrist as we sprinted off towards the castle. We were all breathing hard as we reached the stone gargoyle guarding McGonagall's office. I froze for a moment, realizing I didn't know the password.
"Erm…" I looked at Harry, who shrugged, and turned back to the gargoyle, "May 2nd?"
The gargoyle chuckled as he slid to the side, "Close enough. You may enter with Harry Potter."
Harry turned red as we ran up the stairs. I knocked on McGonagall's door, and her crisp voice called, "Enter!"
I opened the door, and Ginny pushed forward, "Where's the powder?"
McGonagall handed her the pot and motioned for Ron and Hermione to join us, "Someone should be waiting to take you to your brothers and poor Dedalus. God speed."
I thanked her as we grabbed our pinches of Floo powder. One by one we went through the fireplace. I, who was last, was about to step in when McGonagall pulled me back. I looked at her curiously.
"Ms. Latham," she looked down at me, almost pityingly, "Someone will be there to take you to a Muggle hospital. I've just had word… Your cousin, Laura McKenzie, isn't in the best shape. I don't know the particulars, but… Go."
It felt like the blood flow had been cut off to my brain. The only family member who liked me was in the hospital. I staggered forward as a million thoughts ran through my head, and barely managed to croak out, "St. Mungo's."
The ride didn't help my state of mind. I was pushed forward by the force, and heard Ginny scream. I didn't open my eyes, and I felt myself fall forward. I blacked out before I hit the ground.
