Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter series. Nor do I own part of this chapter. I won't spoil it by saying what, but you will know when you see it. Just making sure nobody yells at me for copywriting or something. That brilliance belongs to the one and only J.K. Rowling.

Okay, now my lovely readers, I have some things to talk about. First off, it was pointed out to me how my plot seemed to have flat lined and kind of died off for a bit. I'm truly sorry about that! I guess I just go so caught up in Draco/Ginny amazingness that it slipped my mind. After many sleepless nights, or more like laying awake in bed for several hours before falling asleep, I have thought of a plan to get the plot back on it's feet. This story is no were even near over!

On another note, I'm sorry for the lack of conversations lately. I just noticed while I was writing this chapter at how little I actually write conversations. I hope to fix that, starting with this chapter. My main problem is that mostly when it's conversations it ends up just being in those annoying filler chapter. I'm not really good at writing conversations and actually moving forward with that chapter. I'll try and improve on that, don't worry.

Okay, one last thing. I have now finally gotten a beta. She had started to beta my story before I wrote the last chapter but, after I finished the chapter, I didn't want to wait to put it up because of my lack of updating as of late. But it's now fixed, along with the first seven chapters. I'll keep posting the fixed chapters so feel free to go back and reread it if you want. But, don't worry, no big things are changed. It was mostly grammar and punctuation that I was messing up on.

Oh, and yes I know I said the last thing was the last one, but it wasn't. Okay, before now, chapter four in this story was actually an author note. I finally took it off as I was putting up the fixed chapters. So don't let the fact it seems I haven't updated because the number of chapters are the same as before, fool you. Many of you won't have any problems with that but I'm afraid some of you might and you might skip a chapter or something.

Anyway, since this author note is getting ridiculously long, I will try and come to a stopping point. I just want to point out, with great happiness, that I have reached over 350 reviews! That means so much to me, guys. So, I will give each of you reviewers a giant cookie! *hands each a giant cookie* For those of you who just read, you get a small, normal sized cookie. *throws armfuls of cookies into the air and watch everyone scramble to get a cookie*

I want to dedicate this chapter to those of you who have been with me from the very beginning, or nearly the beginning. I cannot name all of you, since many of you don't review. But a few of these wonderful people are Faerie0975, AngeliqueBlack, Original-Red-And-Pink-4ever. That's just a few. I know there are so many more of you but if I were to name all of you my hands would fall off. Thanks to all of you!

And to PurpleMonkeyDishwashers: Yes, your author love did make me update faster! How amazing is that! I swear this is the fasted I've updated in a long time!

To HeavilyBrokenSpirit: If you thought that last update was fast, I would hate to see how little the other fanfics you read update! Now this was a fast update!

And lastly to Callidora-Malfoy: Thank you for the, although late, birthday wishes! Yes, I had a good birthday.

Do any of you readers have a birthday coming up? If so, just tell me in your review and I'll try and update on your birthday!

Well, there was something else I was going to say but each time I think about it, it slips my mind. So, without further ado:

Chapter 29

Ginny POV

Draco's back was slow to heal. The bruises faded quickly from his pale skin. It was less than a week later that they were completely gone. After he had woken up he had told me of a spell that could get ride of the little scars all over his body from where I had healed all his cuts and gashes. But his back was an entirely different story. The jagged line down his back still looked like I had just healed it. The potions I made him take every day did little more than get rid of most of his pain.

He knew that I worried about him– how could I not? He assured me that it would heal in its own time but I was starting to worry at the lack of progress. I had started bandaging it after the first time he broke the scab from bending down. The entire thing had reopened and was just as bad as it had been to begin with. Again, I worked over his back with painstaking care. It took a while but I had gotten it back to the point where it had been.

The rest of the holidays passed too quickly for my liking. It was nice having Draco back after so long an absence. And, in that week after his return, I found out something that surprised and delighted me to no end. Draco liked cats. He took to Armour from the first day. I swear my cat liked him more than she liked me. It amused me to see him sitting reading a book with Armour in his lap. That was all it took to make me laugh. He would simply roll his eyes and continue what he was doing.

There was only one day until classes were to start again. That would mean I would, once again, be spending my days alone. This was also the day that everyone was due back from the break. I was excited because I would get to see Blaise again.

I had just showered and wrapped a towel around myself, hopping up on the counter to brush my hair. I let my feet dangle as I brushed it, enjoying the peace of the warm bathroom. Draco had put a permanent heating charm on this room so it would be warm whenever one of us got out of the shower or bath, since nobody likes stepping out of a warm shower into a cold room.

I had looked at Draco's back this morning when I changed his bandages and it seemed a little better that before. I hoped he would be okay going to class and such. He had regained his strength but I knew his back still pained him, though he tried to hide it from me to ease my mind.

Shaking my head, I hopped from the counter and quickly brushed my teeth. After that was done I picked up the dragon necklace that Draco had given me over a year ago. I gently ran my fingers over the small but sturdy chain and down onto the pendant of two dragons. I smiled and let out a dreamy sigh as I put in on, remember his words when he told me what it meant. "Because one day I intend to make you a Malfoy." I still clung to that belief, the idea that one day I would marry him. I couldn't imagine my life without him. It wasn't everyday you came across the kind of love we had.

In the midst of this war, I wasn't sure how possible it would be for us to be together outside of the halls of Hogwarts. He was on one side of the war, albeit reluctantly, and I on the other. Nobody knew how long this war would last and as long as it did, I didn't think Draco and I could safely marry, or even be together really. But, no matter how long it took, I knew he loved me.

In an attempt to get my mind of the slightly depressing thoughts, I picked up the bracelet that Blaise had gotten me for Christmas. I had to suppress a laugh as I slipped it on my wrist, remember the kitty clothes knitting kit he had gotten me too. I very rarely took this bracelet off, and, seeing as it matched the necklace from Draco, it worked out quite nicely.

Too soon for my liking the day that Draco had to return to class was upon us. I was immensely bored day after day with nothing to do but read or play with Amour or study the things I would have been working on in class. I kept up with where I should be in classes so I wouldn't fall behind and not be able to keep up with the rest of my class if Hogwarts was open next year.

I wasn't quite so sure if it was going to be or not. Even if it was, I knew I most likely wouldn't be going back. After Mum and Dad found out how my year had gone, they wouldn't allow me back, even if I wanted to go. But even if I never went back, I planed on taking my NEWTs and being officially done with my studies.

I didn't want to return next year even if the school was open, even if my parents allowed me to. The only thing that kept me here this year was Draco. After this year, Draco would be gone. My reason to be here would be gone. I would not put myself through another year with the Carrows unless I had Draco by my side. It wasn't worth it. If I was out of school, there might be a small chance of seeing Draco next year. If I was here, there was no chance. And I needed Draco in my life, even if it wasn't as much as he was now.

It was from Draco's dorm that I watched the snow slowly melt and the ice on the lake disappear with the warming weather. I watched as students once again flooded over the grounds, happy to be out in the sunshine. The trees bloomed and the grass grew green again while I watched, unable to enjoy it. I hated the Carrows for what they did to me. And I hated the way they forced me to hide for my life. I was glad to be with Draco all the time; how could I not be? But I only ever saw him and Blaise. I missed my friends. I missed other people. I was going stir crazy held up in this tiny dorm day in and day out.

It was a few weeks into spring when I found a radio in Draco's closet, obviously never used before. I put it on the window seat in front of me and turned it on. I turned the knob on the side to try and find a station it would pick up. There were no stations that played music anymore. All were devoted to keeping up with the progress You-Know-Who was making or updates on the Muggle-born Registration Commission and the Snatchers' progress on rounding up the non-pureblood witches and wizards trying to hide. I was sickened at the new I heard. I had been isolated far too long.

After that day, I would listen to the radio at least once a day. The things I heard about the world now just made me cringe, but they were about my world and I needed to know what was going on. I hated to think about my family being out in this. They were safe from those rounding up the non-purebloods but they were still wanted. All of the Order and all of those who had been loyal to Dumbledore were being rounded up and killed, tortured, or sent to Azkaban.

It was late one evening after a particularly bad story about the Death Eaters trying to capture Neville's grandmother that I angrily turned the knob, not wanting to hear another word about the Death Eaters or You-Know-Who. I tossed the radio to the couch, not wanting it even near me. "Why, Albus Dumbledore. Why did you have to die?" I quietly muttered to myself, wiping a tear away. If he hadn't been killed then we would all be so much better off.

It was then that I heard the most surprising thing. I heard a familiar voice talking. "Evening, River."

I scrambled over to the couch and picked the radio up gingerly as I heard Lee Jordan start talking. "But before we hear from Royal and Romulus, let's take a moment to report those deaths that the Wizarding Wireless Network News and Daily Prophet don't think important enough to mention. It is with great regret that we inform our listeners of the murders of Ted Tonks and Dirk Cresswell."

I blanched at the names. Ted Tonks was Tonks's dad. I bowed my head and tried to still my tears as I remembered the bright young woman I had met two years ago. I couldn't imagine the pain she was going through. But the list wasn't over yet.

"A goblin by the name of Gornuk was also killed. It's believed that Muggle-born Dean Thomas and a second goblin, both believed to have been traveling with Tonks, Cresswell, and Gornuk, may have escaped. If Dean is listening, or if anyone has knowledge of his whereabouts, his parents and sisters are desperate for news," Lee continued.

I had to swallow hard at the thought of Dean in danger. He had always been one of my good friends. The last I had heard of him, he was still here at Hogwarts. I shook my head at how little I knew. I kept listening to the radio, desperate for news from my side of the war.

"Meanwhile, in Gaddley, a Muggle family of five has been found dead in their home. Muggle authorities are attributing the deaths to a gas leak, but members of the Order of the Phoenix inform me that it was the Killing Curse – more evidence, as if it were needed, of the fact that Muggle slaughter is becoming little more than a recreational sport under the new regime." I shook my head in horror.

"Finally, we regret to inform our listeners that the remains of Bathilda Bagshot have been discovered in Godric's Hollow. The evidence is that she died several months ago. The Order of the Phoenix informs us that her body showed unmistakable signs of injuries inflicted by Dark Magic.

"Listeners, I'd like to invite you to join us in a minute's silence in memory of Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, Bathilda Bagshot, Gornuk, and the unnamed, but no less regretted, Muggles murdered by the Death Eaters."

I bowed my head and looked at my hands, shocked at the sudden news from the world around me. I said a silent prayer for the families of those lost and wiped my eyes. I was afraid to keep listening but there was no way I could make myself turn it off.

"Thank you," I heard Lee say. "And now we return to regular contributor Royal, for an update on how the new Wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world."

"Thank, River," said the deep, slow voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"Muggles remain ignorant of the sources of their suffering as they continue to sustain heavy casualties," he said. "However, we continue to hear truly inspiring stories of witches and wizards risking their own safety to protect Muggle friends and neighbors, often without the Muggle's 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'?" asked Lee.

"I'd say that it's one short step from 'Wizards first' to 'Purebloods first,' and then to 'Death Eaters,'" Kingsley answer. I nodded my head in agreement as Amour jumped into my lap. I absently rubbed her ears as I listened to the radio. "We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving."

"Excellently put, Royal, and you've got my vote for Minister of Magic if ever we get out of this mess," said Lee. "And now, over to Romulus for our popular feature 'Pals of Potter.'"

My heart jumped and I held my breath for a moment. It had been so long since I had any information of my family or of Harry. I hoped that it would be only good that I was about to hear. I couldn't help but smile as I heard the familiar voice of Remus Lupin say, "Thanks, River."

"Romulus, do you maintain, as you have said every time you've appeared on our program, that Harry Potter is still alive?"

"I do," said Lupin firmly. "There is no doubt at all in my mind that his death would be proclaimed as widely as possible by the Death Eaters if it had happened, because it would strike a deadly blow at the morale of those resisting the new regime. 'The Boy Who Lived' remains a symbol of everything for which we are fighting: the triumph of good, the power of innocence, the need for resisting."

I silently agreed with Lupin and was immensely glad that Harry was, if not necessarily okay, at least alive. And that boded well for the fate of Ron and Hermione as well. I smiled, happy for real news.

"And what would you say to Harry if you knew he were listening, Romulus?"

"I'd tell him we're all with him in spirit," said Lupin, pausing hesitantly before continuing. "And I'd tell him to follow his instincts, which are good and nearly always right." I couldn't help but wonder if Harry was indeed listening to this. If he was, I bet Ron was too. As I kept listening, I felt a connection to my brother, hoping he was indeed listening.

"And our usual update on those friends of Harry Potter's who are suffering for their allegiance?" Lee asked Lupin.

"Well, as regular listeners will know, several of the more outspoken supporters of Harry Potter have now been imprisoned, including Xenophilius Lovegood, erstwhile editor of The Quibbler," said Lupin.

"We have also heard within the last few hours that Rubeus Hagrid, well known gamekeeper at Hogwarts School, has narrowly escaped arrest within the grounds of Hogwarts, where he is rumored to have hosted a 'Support Harry Potter' party in his house. However, Hagrid was not taken into custody, and is, we believe, on the run."

I broke out in laughter then. Leave it to Hagrid to host a 'Support Harry Potter' party with the Carrows so close. I silently mused how many of my friends were in attendance at that party. I hoped everyone was okay but I still couldn't hold back my laughter at Hagrid. I was very glad he made it away.

Just then, the door opened and Draco walked in with Blaise, talking. I shushed them both and motioned them over the sofa as the conversation on Potterwatch continued. "I suppose it helps, when escaping from Death Eaters, if you've got a sixteen-foot-high half brother?" asked Lee.

I chortled at that and Draco and Blaise looked over at each other completely confused. Blaise started to ask me something but I shushed him again as Lupin started talking again.

"It would tend to give you an edge," Lupin agreed rather gravely. "May I just add that while we here at Potterwatch applaud Hagrid's spirit, we would urge even the most devoted of Harry's supporters against following Hagrid's lead. 'Support Harry Potter' parties are unwise in the present climate."

"So that's what was going on earlier down near the forest?" Blaise asked, looking over at me.

"I don't know. Shush!" I said, irritated that he wouldn't keep quite.

"Indeed they are, Romulus," agreed Lee, "so we suggest that you continue to show your devotion to the man with the lightning scar by listening to Potterwatch! And now let's move on to news concerning the wizard who is proving to be just as elusive as Harry Potter. We like to refer to him as the Chief Death Eater, and here to give his views on some of the more insane rumors circulating about him, I'd like to introduce a new correspondent: Rodent."

"'Rodent'?" I heard a voice that was so familiar to me ask.

"Fred!" I cried out, clutching the radio tighter, holding back tears at the all so familiar voice that floated out of the radio indignantly.

"I'm not being 'Rodent,' no way, I told you I wanted to be 'Rapier'!" Fred was arguing. I laughed as tears leaked from my eyes. I barely noticed when Draco wrapped his arm around me, pulling me closer to him and wiping the tears away. He and Blaise were still occasionally sharing confused glances.

"Oh, all right then. 'Rapier,' could you please give us your take on the various stories we've been hearing about the Chief Death Eater?"

"Yes, River, I can," said Fred. "As our listeners will know, unless they've taken refuge at the bottom of a garden pond or somewhere similar, You-Know-Who's strategy of remaining in the shadow is crating a nice little climate of panic. Mind you, if all the alleged sightings of him are genuine, we must have a good nineteen You-Know-Whos running around the place."

"Which suits him, of course," said Kingsley. "They air of mystery is creating more terror than actually showing himself." Draco and Blaise both nodded.

"Agreed," said Fred. "So, people, let's try and calm down a bit. Things are bad enough without inventing stuff as well. For instance, this new idea that You-Know-Who can kill with a single glance from his eyes. That's a basilisk, listeners. One simple test: check whether the thing glaring at you has got legs. If it has, it's safe to look into its eyes, although if it really is You-Know-Who, that's still likely to be the last thing you ever do."

All three of us burst out laughing. Oh, how I had missed the easygoing humor of Fred and George. I wondered with another laugh how George liked being stuck with the name 'Rodent.' I laughed even harder at that.

"And the rumors that he keeps being sighted abroad?" asked Lee.

"Well, who wouldn't want a nice little holiday after the hard work he's been putting in?" asked Fred. "Point is, people, don't get lulled into a false sense of security, thinking he's out of the country. Maybe he is, maybe he isn't, but the fact remains he can move faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo when he wants to, so don't count on him being a long way away if you're planning on taking any risks. I never thought I hear myself say it, but safety first!"

And again we were all laughing at the shampoo comment and, me mostly, at the safety first. That was one thing nobody ever thought either of the twins would say.

"Thank you very much for those wise words, Rapier," said Lee. "Listeners, that brings us to the end of another Potterwatch. We don't know when we shall be back. Keep twiddling those dials: The next password will be 'Mad-Eye.' Keep each other safe: Keep Faith. Good night."

The dial on the radio twirled of its own accord and the tuning went out. I gently set the radio down on the table and looked over at Draco and Blaise. "What was that?" asked Draco curiously.

"I'm not really sure. They call it Potterwatch. It's the only station not controlled by You-Know-Who's people," I said with a smile, shaking my head in amazement.

"Nice to hear real news," Blaise said in an offhand way as he picked up the radio. "Wonder how often they do that generally?" He looked over at me quizzically.

"I'm not sure," I replied. "That was the first time I heard it. I had been listening to something and it made me angry so I spun the dial and threw the radio onto the sofa. But just as I did that I heard Kingsley talking and then Lee Jordan." I was at a loss for words, shocked into silence by what I had just heard.

"That's stupid of them. Good, but stupid. If they were caught, it wouldn't bode well for them," Draco said, his smile fading as he spoke. "But it's a brilliant thing. Probably the only time anyone gets real details."

"Yeah," I agreed. "When I started listening they were announcing deaths." I frowned, remembering those lost. "Ted Tonks and some guy named Dirk Cresswell along with a goblin and a Muggle family of five. Those were the most recent I guess." I shook my head.

They both nodded and we slipped into silence, each caught up in our own thoughts. After that day, I would check every day for Potterwatch. Most of the time I caught it. Sometimes I didn't and I would have to guess at the password. Luckily, I generally guessed right.

Many times Draco would listen to it with me, unless he was making his rounds. Occasionally Blaise would come and listen too, but most of the time we just kept him updated. It was listening to Potterwatch that kept me from going completely crazy. The rest of the semester passed like that. I would read, study, or listen to Potterwatch.

Before I knew it, NEWTs were drawing close. That made my days more interesting. I would help Draco, and often Blaise, study for their NEWTs. But, as NEWTs drew closer, that also meant the end of the school year was also drawing close. I wondered sadly how much time I had with Draco left.

Now you know what I meant when I said part of this chapter doesn't belong to me. Yes, that was copied almost strait from the book. But, really it works quite well. It was the only one that the book specifically says the Trio was listening to. I wanted it to be the same that they did, giving Ginny that connection to her brother. I hope you all liked it.

Okay, and for those of you who didn't read the author notes much before, I'm going to explain the whole 'Feed BJ' thing, since I figure it confused those of you who don't know what I'm talking about.

Bob Jughead XIV, BJ for short, is this story's metaphorical starving five-year-old. Reviews are like candy for a starving five-year-old. That was were that came from, if you were wondering. So each review feeds BJ, keeping him from starvation. So, now that you understand that, FEED BJ! He is hungry.

And to reiterate: Do any of you readers have a birthday coming up? If so, just tell me in your review and I'll try and update on your birthday!

If you have something else coming up, tell me! I want to make people's days by updating on a day special to them. I remember, one of my stories updated on my birthday one time and I was so uber happy!

I think that's about all for now. So, until next time:

A happy author writes better and faster! So review and make me happy!!!