Chapter 10

The clouds were a dark swirling mass of grey and the cold winds were extremely harsh as they wailed against the fast moving train. I was currently seated by the window with Ginny dozing off on my shoulder, Luna reading the 'Quibbler' across from me, and Neville was reading over her shoulder even though it was upside down. The train ride was thick with tension and even though we were heading home for the holiday, it just didn't feel right.

And what makes the situation worse, I was strongly thinking about not returning to Hogwarts…never would I feel that way about my new home. I sighed, wondering if there was a point to not returning; pretty much everybody on this train had the same idea.

"Gran wouldn't want me to be a coward and not go back…" Neville stated sadly. "I don't even have a home to go back to since she disappeared,"

"You are welcome to come to my house and spend the holiday Neville," Luna said dreamily. Neville gave her a goofy grin. Luna smiled back then looked across, "all of you are perfectly welcome…my dad would love the extra company."

"We have three different portkeys to take and my mother would have a heart attack if we missed them," Ginny replied with a yawn. She stretched then sat up, still leaning against me.

"Yeah and Gran said no matter what happens this year, stay close to the Order," Neville replied sadly. Luna nodded and went back to reading, expression neutral.

I felt bad that Neville was stuck with us for the holiday when I could tell that he wanted to be with Luna. Couldn't blame them though…who knew how much time we had left together.

"Maybe we can find a way to have you spend part of the holiday with us?" I suggested. "If I have to risk apparating into your room, I sure as hell will try; we need to stick together." I stated as I leaned forward and cupped her knee, rubbing my thumb against her kneecap. She put down her magazine and leaned forward to hug me tightly.

"You are such a dear friend Emma…" Luna whispered.

"As are you Luna…my very best friend," I replied honestly. She was the first friend I made at Hogwarts and I would find a way to keep her safe while we were apart.

I pulled away and sat back in my seat, feeling tears forming behind my eyelids. I blinked them away quickly and smiled at the three of them. Luna was still holding onto my hand while Neville held the other one. Ginny took both mine and Neville's right hands, just looking at each other.

There was a silent agreement made between us as the train slowed. We squeezed each other's hands then moved to stand. Grabbing our belongings, we shuffled out of our compartment into the hall. Looking around, many of the other students had similar gloomy expressions on their faces.

As we exited the train, the station itself was dark and dense. Only a handful of parents were present for their kids' arrival while the rest had the same instructions as we did. Some took a chance and apparated out of the station or disappeared into nearby alleys.

"Ok, we have two minutes find the item," Ginny said hastily. "Mum put in a riddle for me to interpret…" Her voice trailed off as she searched the near empty train station. I took that opportunity to hug Luna one more time.

"Please be safe…" I whispered, "And I will get you soon, okay?" I promised. She nodded, pulling away.

"I have to meet my dad," She stated softly. "Be safe and avoid the nargles!" I nodded as she moved to Neville. They stood close to each other and I turned away, to give them some sort of privacy.

"Aha! There it is!" Ginny said happily as she pointed to something in the corner. "We have to go now Neville, bye Luna! I'm sure we'll see ya soon!" She added as she pulled me and walked briskly to the corner. I glanced behind to see Neville pull from Luna and she walked to the opposite direction.

'Please be safe' I pleaded once more. 'I will get you myself if I have to'.

"Are we ready?" Ginny asked.

"Nope," Neville and I replied. Looking down, I squinted at the sock serving as our first portkey. Ginny was counting down and at the ten second mark, we moved to grab a piece of the sock. When Ginny reached zero, I felt the familiar tug behind my navel, and swirl of colors dotting my vision as we took off to an unknown destination.

"Let go!" I heard a voice scream. I did as I was told and everything snapped back into focus. I landed hard on my butt with Neville and Ginny slouched beside me. By the looks of things, we had landed in a park. Trees surrounded us and in the distance, I could make out some swings and slides. I groaned before getting up and proceeded to dust myself off.

"One down, two to go."

Each porkey represented something that Ginny brought home from an adventure as a kid. The first one: a ratty old sock that was home to a bunny that she found at a nearby park. The second one: a foggy glass jar that Ginny used to catch fireflies at the ponds where her uncles' lived. And the last one was a rusted canteen that led them to the final location, an old log cabin that was located deep in the countryside. No sooner had our feet touched the damp grass, both Molly and Arthur were in front of us, wands at the ready.

"Woah, it's us!" Neville exclaimed hastily, arms up as were the rest of us.

"Then tell me what your grandmother's maiden name is." Arthur demanded.

Neville didn't even blink, "Carnextia."

"Good." Molly replied then turned to her daughter. "Whom did I name you after?"

"The last Weasley female to be born generations before me; you wanted me to carry on a legacy instead of ending it," Ginny replied without missing a beat. Molly grinned and moved to hug her close. After a moment, she stood beside Arthur who was now pointing his wand at me.

"Who are you?" He asked simply. I cocked my head at him in confusion.

"Which one?" I retorted back. "Lucy Muriel Prewitt? Gideon Prewitt's daughter and your last remaining family aside from your own spawn?" I replied, gesturing to Molly. "Or do you think it's safe for me to say my true identity aloud?" I asked. Arthur and Molly looked at the other before lowering their wands. Molly looked close to tears when she pulled me into a hug.

"I'm sorry dear, we can't be too sure…" she apologized and I nodded.

"I know." I replied bitterly.

Arthur cleared his throat and gave Neville a small smile, "let's move this inside and we'll tell you all that has happened,"

We gathered our bags and followed them inside. The cabin itself was a lot bigger on the inside and strangely homey. It smelled like Molly had been cooking all day and my stomach fluttered in response. I put a hand to my belly, rubbing it slightly. I've noticed quite a bit of fluttering as of late. I worked on my timing since I learned of the news and began to wonder how big the baby was.

I have noticed my clothing growing tighter, especially my uniform, and that led me to wearing only stretch like materials to accommodate the growth. It was becoming more and more real each day. I'm carrying a baby! And it's Harry's! I just wanted to scream to the high heavens the news, but instead, I held my tongue.

Until I pulled Molly aside before she and Arthur could speak any news about what was happening on the outside.

"What is it dear? Are you hungry? Tired?" Molly began to ramble. I shook my head fast and took deep breaths.

"No Mrs. Weasley, it's-" I paused before continuing, "something has happened and I need to get it out," I finished now gulping at the air. Molly's brows knitted together in worry.

"Oh goodness child, what is it?" She pleaded. I felt my eyes well up with tears as I struggled with the words that would shatter the air around us.

"I'm pregnant Mrs. Weasley," I cried. She immediately pulled me into a hug as I cried, relishing in the feel of a mother's touch.

"Shhhh my dear, shhhh…it will all be fine," she soothed and I just shook my head. I pulled away from her and she wiped my tears.

"How will it be fine? The world is falling into darkness and I was selfish enough to put an innocent life in that mix!" I nearly shouted.

"My dear, there are more innocent lives than just the one you created." She replied, making me think of Remus and Tonks also planning on having a child. "There is so much on the line right now, but it is nice that we have so much worth fighting for, right?" I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. "Ok. Now, I will say that I'm slightly disappointed that you are so young to be carrying a child, but what's done is done."

"Yes Mrs. Weasley," I mumbled. She hugged me once more and stepped back, grinning widely.

"Well, this is exciting!" She exclaimed then examined me. "You look pretty far along huh? Not as much as Tonks, but pretty close. Oh so exciting! And Harry is the father yes?" I nodded fast, giving her a look, "Oh that is so wonderful! He will be a great father! And I'm assuming you won't return back to school? You are more than welcome to stay with us." I opened up my mouth to answer when Mr. Weasley popped into the room.

"You both need to get in here or you'll miss the Potterwatch!" Mr. Weasley hissed. I mouthed 'Potterwatch' to Mrs. Weasley and she only shoved me gently towards the living area. Both Ginny and Neville were seated on a couch while Mr. Weasley situated himself in the center of the room with a small metallic object in his hands. The object would emit a bluish glow and static would sound from in every few moments; then a deep voice I recognized as Kingsley Shacklebot's filled the room:

"We continue to hear truly inspirational stories of wizards and witches risking their own safety to protect Muggle friends and neighbors, often without the Muggles' knowledge. I'd like to appeal to all our listeners to emulate their example, perhaps by casting a protective charm over any Muggle dwellings in your street. Many lives could be saved if such simple measures are taken."

"And what would you say, Royal, to those listeners who reply that in these dangerous times, it should be 'wizards first'?" A younger male voice asked.

"Wow, that's Lee Jordan!" Neville exclaimed. "Still commentating I see…" He mumbled.

"I'd say that it's one short step from 'wizards first' to 'pure-bloods first', and then to 'Death Eaters'. We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving." Kingsley stated. I nodded in agreement without realizing.

"Thank you very much Royal for your time and we hope to hear more from you soon. Ok listeners, that brings us to the end of another Potterwatch session. We don't know when it will be possible to broadcast again, but you can be sure we shall be back. Keep twiddling those dials and remember the next password will be 'Mad-Eye'. Keep each other safe. Keep the faith. Good night." Lee concluded before static took over the device and then went quiet.

"That's what we've been doing to stay connected and how to keep each other informed. I know it is risky, but it's all we have. And even though we don't know what they," he paused thinking of his lost son, Hermione, and Harry, "what they are up to, we hope that it can reach them and somehow help them," Mr. Weasley stated.

"It's absolutely brilliant," Ginny stated happily. I nodded in agreement.

"Is there any way that we can send a message out?" I asked hopefully. I had been missing them all terribly, especially Harry. Also, I figured it would be a good way to alert Luna to my arrival when the time came. Mr. Weasley gave me a sad look and shook his head.

"I'm sorry but no, that would be extremely high risk. The location of the Potterwatch is ever changing and we would hate to put whomever that listens in danger; or even put us in danger as well," Mr. Weasley stated sadly.

"Well, is there any way I can leave here day after tomorrow?" I asked next. Both looked at me as if I grew an extra head while Ginny and Neville avoided my eyes.

"Are you mad? Why would you want to leave? It is beyond dangerous!" Mr. Weasley exclaimed.

"Because I promised Luna! We need to stick together right? I said that I would-" I ranted only to get interrupted.

"Absolutely not!" He replied at once.

"I said that I would!"

"You shouldn't go 'round making promises you cannot keep!" He huffed out. The room was silent aside from Mrs. Weasley's quite sobbing. I snapped my mouth shut, shaking in anger. Noticing this, Mr. Weasley sighed. "I understand where you heart lies Em-erm, Lucy. Truly, I do. But these are dark times. Don't you think I would have my entire family here with me if I could? The rest of the Order?"

I shrugged, not meeting his gaze. He had a valid point and I winced at his tone of voice when he mentioned his family. Does he not realize how strong I was? The power I have? I knew that I've been holding back, scared to lose control, and risk putting my unborn child in danger. But…a promise was a promise…

"Enough of this! I don't need anything else to heat my blood, especially during a holiday!" Mrs. Weasley shouted. "Now, I want each of you to go rest, you the most missy," she said, pointing in my direction. "I will bring each of you some sandwiches and soup, then I expect you lot to rest. Am I clear?" We nodded then shuffled into the next room.

Ginny and Neville remained quiet as we unpacked what little possessions we decided to pack for the trip. Not ten minutes later, Mrs. Weasley appeared with three bowls of steaming chicken noodle soup and a plate of sandwiches while making sure I had an extra helping.

With a few pecks of kisses and hugs, she left us once more. Feeling warm and full, I collapsed as soon as my head hit the pillow.

Dark. Quiet. Still. Stars glinted in the night sky as did the brightness from the full moon. A large tower like house loomed on top of a hill, seemingly undisturbed. Then it was taken over by black masses swirling outside and inside the home. Screams were heard and the sound of glass shattering. Inside the house, a man cowered and begged at the circle of Deatheaters destroying his home.

"Let this serve as a reminder Lovegood," a deep voice growled, "as a reminder to who runs the Ministry and what is shared with the public in that shit rag you call 'The Quibbler'." The man stated before performing the Crutiatus curse. The other man on the floor cried out and squirmed till the curse ceased.

"Yes! Please! Just don't take her! Not my daughter, please!" The man screamed. The group of Deatheaters laughed at the man.

"Cooperate, and she will return; if not, we'll send pieces for you to bury," the evil wizard laughed as the other man withering and crying on the ground.

I woke up in an instant, my heart pounding. My breaths were coming out heavily and I felt hot all over. Sitting up, grogginess hit and forced me down. I rubbed my temples before sitting up again and rubbed my stomach. I was hungry. Damn, how long was I out for?

Stretching once more, I rose from the cot I crashed on and moved to exit the bedroom. Walking slowly into the deserted hall, I heard hushed voices coming from the living area. Once I heard my name mentioned, I stopped walking altogether and proceeded to eavesdrop; horrible, I know.

"…we must wake her eventually! How much of that sleeping draft did you put in her soup? And are you sure that it's safe for her child?!" Arthur hissed. I heard a scoff which I assumed was from Molly Weasley.

"Oh pish posh Arthur! She needs all the sleep she can get! Besides, I hate the news we have to share, especially with what you both argued over the previous day," Molly sighed. What?! Previous day?!

"What news?" I asked, revealing myself. Molly gasped and Arthur looked sickly. Looking closer, I noticed it was just them in the room. "Where's Ginny and Neville?"

Both Weasleys looked at the other nerviously then back to me. "They are on the porch…" Arthur began, but the sentence died off. Molly patted his arm then stepped closer to me.

"Happy Christmas sweetie! Are you hungry? Would you like some-" she began.

"What news? Have you heard anything on the Potterwatch?" I asked again. Molly wouldn't meet my eyes when I asked and looked on the verge of tears. All she did was nod as she gripped Arthur's hand.

"I'll tell her…" He whispered then faced me head on. "We heard something, yes…but it isn't the best and I'm so sorry to have to tell you…the guilt alone…" Unable to meet my gaze, Arthur trailed off again just as the front door swung open.

Ginny appeared first, her eyes red and puffy, with Neville by her side. Neville on the other hand looked angry, but his cheeks were also damp. Looking at each of them made the panic inside of me burn even more.

"Has somebody died?! Was it Harry?!" I yelled, feeling sick at the thought of Harry being dead. Molly was bawling now and Ginny moved next to me.

"Deatheaters took Luna last night and her father fears her dead…or worse," Ginny choked out.

Time stopped the moment those horrid words left her lips and I felt as if I was slipping into the void.