Evelyn had been stuck in the same place for two weeks, and she was about to lose her mind. She was still very weak, and couldn't sit up on her own, but at least she could eat and talk normally again.
Mrs. Weasley had agreed happily to take care of Evelyn over the summer, so at least Evelyn had somewhere to go. However, there was still another three days before school ended, and Evelyn had no idea how she was even going to get to the Burrow. Several suggestions had been made, including the idea that she was carried onto the train, but she had dismissed it because that would be extremely difficult and very uncomfortable. However, at the moment, it seemed to be the only viable option.
That is, until Cole woke up in the middle of the night from a dream. "Abraxan!" Evelyn turned her head to look over at him. Draco looked up from the book he was reading. They had been sitting in a peaceful silence. "What?" Evelyn spoke first. Cole sat up in bed, grinning. "Why didn't I think of it before? You cant use the winged horses here because they're too small, but Abraxans are large enough to carry us both comfortably! There are still several here from the tournament, I'm sure Madam Maxine wouldn't mind if I borrowed one." He got out of bed, "I'll send an owl right away! They wont be available for much longer." Evelyn smiled as he hurried out of the infirmary.
Draco closed his book. "Are all Hunters this... eccentric?" Evelyn laughed lightly, "only when they get excited." She breathed out a sigh. "I'm glad I wont have to ride the train back." Draco scoffed, "those twins are insufferable." Evelyn rolled her eyes playfully, "they're not that bad." Draco shrugged, "they're Weasleys. You deserve better." Evelyn let him be bitter.
A few minutes later Cole came back. "I've sent the owl. We'll know by morning if we can use the horses." Evelyn shifted in bed, "but I can't sit up, how am I supposed to ride an Abraxan?" Cole laughed, "silly, I'll be riding with you."
Evelyn shifted, "I want to get up." Both boys looked at her as if she were crazy. Draco spoke first, "you can't even sit up on your own, and you want to stand?" Evelyn smiled, "I want to walk. I'm tired of this bed." Cole shook his head, "no. You need to rest." Evelyn groaned, "I'm going to have to work so hard to get back into shape." Draco shook his head, "once your body recovers, you should be back to normal." Evelyn didn't feel so hopeful.
A week later, Evelyn found herself being lifted onto the back of one of the massive Abraxan horses and into her brother's firm hold. "Alright, I've got you." She was able to somewhat hold herself up after a week, but she couldn't do it for long, so she let herself lean on Cole as they took off, heading in the direction of the Burrow. They had to stop several times to rest, and dusk was taking over the sky by the time the Burrow came into view. Molly and Arthur came out to meet them, both with a warm smile on their faces. Molly brought Cole something to eat, since he had to leave immediately.
Cole hugged Evelyn close, "I'll come check on you around the end of the summer, alright? I expect you to tackle me when I come." Evelyn smiled and nodded, "andara, safe travels." Cole flew off, and Arthur carried Evelyn inside, seating her on the couch, propped up by pillows. The family greeted her warmly, trying to be extra gentle.
About a week later, when Evelyn could finally sit up on her own, Molly informed them that they were all going to London. The trip was a difficult one, and the Number Twelve Grimmauld Place was a dusty, miserable old house that had been empty for years. Evelyn got a room to herself, but there was no window and it was small. Fred and George spent their days with her, mainly perfecting their extendable ears. Evelyn then learned about the Order of the Phoenix, who were dedicated to protecting Harry and bringing down Voldemort.
One evening, with a fire roaring in the hearth, Evelyn got a feeling of unbearable impatience. George glanced at her, taking in her expression. "What's wrong, Eve?" Evelyn tossed the blanket off of her legs, "I want to walk." Fred looked up from some firecracker in progress. "What? Evelyn, you can't." Evelyn shifted her legs over the side of the bed, wincing at the ache in her muscles. "I can and I will. Are you going to help me or not?"
George was beside her first, putting her arm over his shoulders and his arm around her waist, helping her to stand. She whimpered at the pain that flooded her legs, which trembled, but she stayed there until she could stand without hurting.
Fred stood a few feet in front of her. "Take a step." His voice was soft and encouraging, something that was rare from him. Evelyn shakily put one foot forward, relishing the feeling of the old floorboards beneath her feet. She shifted her weight, still leaning on George, and repeated the motion with the other foot. After a few more steps, she grinned and fell into Fred's waiting arms. He lifted her up and spun her around, laughing. "Okay, okay," he set her back on her feet. "This time, without help."
Evelyn managed to take a step and a half on her own before collapsing. George caught her and set her back in bed. Both twins were grinning like idiots. Evelyn smiled as she caught her breath. "Finally." George promised, "you can walk more tomorrow."
Molly came in then with some beef and steamed carrots. "Are you two pestering Evelyn again?" Fred jumped excitedly, "Evelyn walked!" Molly gasped, "oh that's wonderful!" Evelyn giggled happily, "it was only a few steps, but it's good to move again."
Evelyn began to walk more and more, sometimes walking the length of the room before collapsing into either Fred's or George's arms. Even on days that she was exhausted, they insisted that she walk at least a little bit.
By the time that Harry arrived, Evelyn could walk with only the aid of the wall down the hall and back. She was even allowed to sit in at a meeting, the first that the children (except for Ginny) were allowed to attend. The Ministry was causing problems, and it seemed that the world was against them. Unable to do anything else, Evelyn said, "when I get better, I'll protect Harry, especially if he does actually get expelled." Mrs. Weasley thanked her for the offer. Evelyn resolved to speak to Cole about the matter, though she doubted that the Hunters wanted anything to do with the internal troubles of Wizards.
However, Harry wasn't expelled, and was actually cleared of all charges. Ron and Hermione were made prefects, and Evelyn was walking up and down the hall without leaning on the wall. All seemed well with the world, as well as it could be with impending doom looming over them.