Rachel E. Thompson
Email: racheview@yahoo.com
Web page: surf.to/genova or genova07.tripod.com
Rating: R
Category: Action/Drama
Disclaimer: Alas, I don't own Harry and Co.
Summary: Voldemort won and imprisoned the world under his regime. Now six years later, a new resistance called Lils struggles on their crusade to free the world again. So where does Ginny Weasley fit in? H/G, R/HG, N/L. OoTP Spoilers.
Author's Note: This is my sugar baby fic! It practically spawned on its own, and I've been possessed to finish it ever since. So here it is, my mauling of a classic tale by J.K. Rowling. Enjoy.
Thanks for the encouraging reviews! You guys are awesome!
***
Chapter Three. The Lils Inn
"Alright, remember what I told you." Ginny warned James, as they walked to the checkpoint outside of London. Her eyes flicked to her son. She had transfigured his hair and eyes after her older brother, Ron. Next, she removed his freckles and darken his skin several shades. For herself, she decided to color her hair gray. Afterwards, she added a few wrinkles around her eyes and mouth. With that out of the way, she shrunk Firebolt back down and pocketed it.
"I remember, mum." He groused, as he stumbled along side her. James's hand tightened around hers, when he spotted the callous soldiers up ahead. Just behind them, was a taller, robed figure – a Death Eater! His blue eyes widen as he tugged on his mother's hand. "Look, mum, more of those Death Eaters."
"It's alright. Just leave it to me, don't look at them."
"Okay."
They waited for half an hour, until it was finally their turn. The younger soldier asked the same standardized questions. "Name?" Ginny looked him dead in the eye, as she replied with her and her son's aliases. The lanky soldier cast a sharp glance towards her redhead son, who scowled back.
"What's your business in London, Ms. Winsley?"
"I've come to find this brat's miserable, lay about of a father, that's what!" Ginny snapped, as if she was very annoyed. The soldier glanced back over at the Death Eater, who just dully looked the pair over through his hood. He didn't seem to recognize them.
"How long will you be staying, Ms. Winsley?" Her eyes narrowed slightly on the soldier, who actually looked taken back by her fierce stare. "No longer then I bloody well half to, I can assure you that!" He nervously nodded before he cleared them, simply to make her go away. She tutted in much the way Madam Pomfrey had. She stomped into London, while Ginny acted like she had to drag her son.
Once they were safely in, Ginny dropped the act. She smiled faintly down at the boy. "That was splendid!" Her son glanced up at her, and he flashed a grin. His chest puffed up in pride. "That was kind of fun, mum!" She pinched his cheek and caused him to grimace. "Hush your mouth," she scoffed, "I hope that's the last time we have to do that."
After almost two hours of walking through London, they came across what used to be the Leaky Caldron. Instead of the bar was a pile of rubble! "What a waste!" The redhead grunted, as she looked over the mess. The very path into Diagon Alley lay open for all to see. Ginny's eyes shifted into the alley, which didn't look as friendly as she remembered it. In fact, it looked very rundown. The mother exchanged a worried glance with her son. "Well… Come on then, in we go." In the remains of the Leaky Cauldron was a beaten down path. Ginny scowled as she led James along the trail, careful of the tipsy piles of debris. She stepped onto the worn cobblestones of the alley, now they were officially in Diagon Alley.
"Mum, are you sure this is Diagon Alley?" James wondered, "it don't look like it."
"Yes, love…" Ginny scowled darkly. "Sadly, this is it." Her gaze traveled towards the miserable wizards and witches that walked through the alley. Her heart hurt to see the poor conditions of the shopping district. There were bars over windows, signs were tattered, and most stores were closed. They moved by the entrance to Knockturn Alley, which surreally seemed to be in better condition then Diagon. Beside her, James peeked his head around the brick buildings to look down that alleyway. He glanced back up at his mother. "Where we goin' now?"
"We need to find a place to rest. Then get something to eat." James bobbed his head happily at the idea of food. They moved down the collapsing streets in search of an inn. It didn't look promising. Still, Diagon Alley had grown regardless of its poverty-ridden stores. They walked by what appeared to be a newly built entrance into another alley. Ginny noted this nameless alley was in a far better condition. In it, she spotted several better-kept buildings including two markets, a healer, and a new inn. "Here we are! The Lils Inn, I never stayed here before… Let's just hope they have room."
The Lils Inn was a modest, four-story building that looked something like a Muggle dollhouse. It was a cute, green painted establishment, with white shutters and doors. On the entrance door was carved an elaborate lily. There were white cobblestones that led up the doorway.
Ginny smiled softly. "My, doesn't it look quaint." Her son made a face, "it's too girlie!"
"Hush." She ordered with a slight laugh to her voice. She walked up and twisted the golden doorknob. As the door swung open, it brushed against a little golden bell that gave a charming chime. Immediately, Ginny was attacked with the warm smell of freshly baked bread. The witch's stomach twisted and groaned hungrily at the scent. She led her son into the pleasantly welcoming environment. 'Now this, reminds me of Diagon Alley!'
The lobby was painted a soft white, and the lighting was romantically dim. There was a small rustic lounge in front of a roaring fire. A group of guests sat there and merrily exchanged tales. Nearby a grand, oak staircase led up to the rooms. Ginny's eyes shifted to the right, where she noted the check-in counter. It was humbly carved with more lilies along the face. Atop it, a large vase was filled with more of the themed flowers. Behind the counter was a small cove, where a desk full of paperwork was located. On the right wall, was an oak door labeled, 'Staff Only' with a golden plaque. In front of the counter was a large flowery rug. Her eyes were drawn away from the elaborate patterns, to the adult, Border Collie sleeping on it.
For a moment she hesitated, as she looked at the animal. A queer feeling rolled over her, but was gone before she could fully decipher it. Ginny shook her head, as she thought mournfully, 'Sirius is dead. He has been for a long while now. It's not even the same kind of dog! See?'
"This way," Ginny whispered, as they walked to the counter. James immediately spotted the sheepdog. The animal, of course, had heard them come its way. The dog's head snapped up as it fixed them with its vivid, bottle green eyes. Its fluffy tail begun to wag in an excited fashion, and it let out a soft but welcoming bark.
"Mum, look! A dog!" Her animal-loving son collapsed on the floor next to the gentle creature. James rubbed the dog's throat. His fingers weaved under the sheepdog's plain, black collar. The Border Collie rewarded the child with a slick lick to the face, and incited a giggle from the boy. "I always wanted a dog!" Ginny shook her head at her son's antics.
"Ah! I see you've met Lils," a woman's voice warmly called out to them. Ginny turned her head towards the lounge. That was no woman… That was a lady. The young mother suddenly felt very plain in the presence of, what she gathered, the owner of the Border Collie.
The mysterious woman was young, possibly Ginny's age. She was slightly shorter, but definitely more sophisticated, in the redhead's opinion. Her thick, brunette hair was trimmed short to fall along her cheekbones. The only oddity the mother could see, was over this woman's striking face. There, was a large set of sunglasses. They clearly didn't fit in the dim environment. Though when she came closer, the mother spotted the reason for the glasses. A thin scar was visible under the frames. It evidently scarred over her eyes and crippled her vision. 'She's blind,' Ginny thought to herself.
Even more perplexing, the woman reminded her of Hermione Granger. Ginny shook her head, 'That's certainly not Hermione! I would know! And that's not her… I think.' She watched instead, as the brunette stared unseeingly ahead. A ghostly smile on her face, as the innkeeper apparently listened to the sounds of the room.
"He's very fond of children."
The redheaded mother glanced down at the pair on the floor. James was still caressing Lils's head, but in an energized fashion. The dog rolled over onto its back, his legs up in the air, his tongue lobbed out. The boy laughed in amusement. "It would so appear," Ginny answered, before she glanced back at the innkeeper.
"You're looking to stay the night then, Madam?"
"Yes, please, if you have the room."
"We always have room." The beautiful woman replied, and then moved behind the counter. She bent over and ran her hands along the shelves underneath, as she felt for some items. The innkeeper pulled out a scroll and a small basket of keys. "Here we are. How many nights do you wish to stay with us, Madam?"
"I'm not exactly sure," Ginny replied, as she thought about it. The other nodded her head. Her slim fingers grazed along the scroll, which appeared to have raise bumps on it. She paused to wet her quill, and then wrote something down. The innkeeper pulled over the basket of keys. She felt her fingers over the Braille, and then pulled out a golden key.
"Room seventeen is open and should do you nicely… May I inquire your name, Madam?"
"Oh, certainly. It's Jennifer Winsley." The innkeeper's quill momentarily paused. Her chin jerked up, she then sighed and shook her head. After she had finished the form, she turned the scroll over to Ginny. "If you could just sign at the bottom… The rental fee is ten galleons a night, but food is included."
"Thank you."
"Yes, of course. Dinner will be brought up at seven."
Ginny smiled at this information. "Wonderful, I was getting hungry." The innkeeper nodded, a merry grin on her face. "We all are… Lils, why don't you be a good bloke and show our guests up to their room?" The redhead blinked in surprise. "Oh that's not necessary." The shorthaired woman laughed, "Of course it's not necessary, but he has to earn his pay somehow." The witch smiled faintly, and glanced over at the now attentive dog. "Very well."
"Enjoy your stay at Lils Inn, Madam Winsley."
"Thank you," Ginny replied pleasantly. The sheepdog trotted towards the staircase, and barked back at them. The witch grinned, as her son eagerly chased Lils up the stairs. As she followed, the young mother didn't see the innkeeper stare after her. Even long after they had disappeared up the stairs.
"Here, Mum!" James cried, as they found themselves on the top floor. Lils headed down the hall towards room seventeen, and sat in front of it. Ginny walked over, as her son patted down the sheepdog. The six-year-old's eyes shifted up towards hers. "Mum, can't we ever get a dog like Lils?"
"Perhaps one day, but we certainly can't tend for one right now." Her son looked thoughtful, then glanced back at Lils. It was strange, because the dog seemed to sense the somber mood. Ginny eyed the creature, as she unlocked the white door labeled seventeen. "Come on now, in you go." Her son sighed sadly and waved to Lils. "Bye Lils! I'll see you later." The dog just yelped happily at him, and watched the kid go into the room.
Ginny ran her fingers over Lils's soft velvet ears. The sheepdog nuzzled its snout into her hand. "Thank you, Lils. I wish I had a treat to give you for your kind help… But I'm fresh out." He just watched the witch, until Ginny quietly shut the door behind her.
Lils sat in front of room seventeen for a long time. His eyes gaped at the white door, as he seemed lost to his thoughts – if dogs reflected at all. Oddly, his large puppy eyes actually narrowed in a very humanistic manner. After a time, he snorted then dashed back downstairs.
***
Beyond the door seventeen, was a presently spacious room. It was decked out to match the style in the lobby downstairs, with the flowery bedspread and oak furniture. The bed was sizeable, with many white-sheeted pillows. There was a small fireplace in one corner, which heated the room nicely. In front of it, two comfortable looking chairs and an end table. There was a large bath in the opposite corner of the room.
Ginny sighed cheerfully, as she set her things aside. She eased down in front of the fire. The returned-raven-haired-James stood in front of the window. He peered out, with his face pressed to the glass. He grinned as he returned to her side. "Mum, this is much better then that last place!"
"Not so girlie anymore, eh?" He just smiled, before he glanced at the fire. "Yes it is nice here, very relaxing… But also a little strange." At this, her son fixed her with his green eyes. "How come?" Ginny shook her head. She didn't want to worry him needlessly, so she just added, "I just think we should be very careful, alright?"
"Okay."
"Good, I think I'll take a bath before the dinner cart comes. Try to stay out of trouble, alright?" Her son just grinned dumbly at her. "I mean it, James! For Merlin's sakes, don't answer the door!" He nodded at her order. With one final look at him, the redhead went to have herself a well-deserved bath.
James smirked and walked over to her forgotten cloak. He fished around and pulled out the small version of Firebolt. He giggled, as he glanced towards Ginny's wand. He was bored. Certainly his mother wouldn't mind him using the broom, as long as he stayed in the room? He went to pick the magical wand up, but when he did, the rod sent a sharp shock into his fingertips! He blinked back tears and shook his hand. "Ow!"
"You best not be getting into mischief, James Potter!" His mother's sharp voice snapped through the bathroom door. James scowled, as he replaced the Firebolt. He sullenly flopped in front of the fire and waited for dinner. "Bugger all…" He muttered the curse that Remus used once or twice, when he had trouble with their cow.
A half an hour later, his mother appeared from her bath. She raked her fingers through her wet, red locks and worked the tangles out. She fixed her son with a stern look. James was still in front of the fire, but curled up asleep. A picture of innocence, but Ginny knew better.
It was just then there was a knock on the door. "Room service," a male called. Ginny frowned slightly at the familiar voice. She shook her head, as she tried to remember where she had heard this person before. It completely slipped her mind. So caught up in her muse, she forgot to transfigure her appearance. Instead she walked over to the door and opened it. The redhead was instantly hit with a delicious scent of food, her eyes landed on the cart. She couldn't wait to eat.
"Ginny?!" Her attention snapped to the staff member of Lils when he called her name. Her real name! "Ginny! You're alive!" Her brown eyes stared at the man, who easily towered a head and shoulder over her own height. His long hair was a brilliant red, tied at the base of his neck. Ginny felt faint, as she stared at the freckled face man. He looked like Bill Weasley, only his younger face wasn't as gorgeous, as it was adorable. She knew who this was! "Ron?" She whispered in astonishment.
The other wildly grinned, but pressed his finger to his lips as he glanced around the empty hall. He then motioned her into her room, once both were inside, he shut the door. "Ginny! Good lord! What are you doing coming to the door like that? I could have been anyone! Are you mental?!"
"I… Umm… Ron?"
"Oh forget it! I'm so happy to see you, Ginny!" He cried joyfully, before he all but tackled her in a hug. Ginny gasped, as he lifted her up off the ground. Ronald Weasley spun her around and laughed wildly as he did so. "Ron!" It seemed to be the only thing she could say. Tears flooded her vision, as she clung onto her older brother.
"This is bloody terrific!" He yelled happily, as he set her down. Ron pulled back enough to enclose her face within his large hands. Ginny just stared up at him, suddenly feeling all of the six years catch up with her. She sobbed openly, as she gripped his shoulders. "Ron… I n-never thought I'd see y-you again!" The older Weasley only continued to grin, but pressed a loud kiss to her forehead. "It's alright, Ginny! We're together again! It's okay!" She sobbed and wrapped her trembling arms tightly around him.
"Mum…" A tired voice called out, "What's wrong?"
"MUM?" Ron echoed, startled by the little voice. He glanced over to see James, who viciously rubbed at his eyes. The boy gaped up at the redheaded man, who stopped hugging Ginny. The child's face pinched up with confusion, as he looked at the wizard. Meanwhile, the older Weasley had pulled away from his sister. He moved closer to the boy.
"Bloody hell, Ginny! He looks just like Harry!" Ron exclaimed, but only produced a happy grin from his younger sibling. Ginny glanced back at James, who made a face. "You knew my Dada?"
The former Prefect turned back to the six-year-old, he blinked several times. Ron glanced back at Ginny for a silent conformation, and she nodded. Harry truly was the boy's father. Instantly, the former Keeper grinned. "Of course I knew your dad! He was my best mate!"
"Really?"
"Of course!"
"James," Ginny said, as she came over to the pair. "I'd like you to meet my older brother… This is your Uncle Ron." James's green eyes lit up like little stars. He whipped his head around to the redhead wizard. "You're Uncle Ron?!"
"That I am, mate. Good to meet you." James sprung forward and tackled the man in a hug. "Mum told me lots of stories about you, Uncle Ron!" Ron's snickered, as he returned the embrace. He sent a glance over at his smiling sister. "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah! You would get into trouble with my Dada! And… And you would have rows with Aunt Hermione. But Remus just says, that you were really flirting with her. Is that true, Uncle Ron?" Ron's ears turned red as he grunted, "Where is that ol' chap anyway?"
The room's air cooled, and the redhead wizard picked up on it. His blue eyes shifted up towards his sister, who bit her lip. "Ginny…?"
"We were discovered," she told him softly. "Death Eaters came with Dementors. Remus ordered me to take James and get away, while he stayed behind and took care of them… That was six days ago." Ron grimaced at the news, and shook his head, "Damn it." Ginny didn't even bother to reprimand him for swearing. "We all knew he's been after you… But we never knew why." his blue eyes shifted back towards her son, "I get it. He's after James."
There was a long bout of silence, before James squirmed. "Can we eat now?" Ron grinned boldly at the child's question. "I think that's a great idea, mate." He ushered them over to the cart. He revealed a chicken stew, a fresh loaf of bread, and a pitcher of pumpkin juice. "Here we are! Best of Lils Inn's cuisine!"
"Ron," Ginny asked after they were all settled and started the meal. She realized, stupidly too late, that he could very well be a Death Eater in disguise. "What are you doing here?" Ron sighed tiredly, "I live here." The younger Weasley shook her head, "But… I thought Voldemort had killed you." Her brother pulled a face that would be amusing if not directed at her. "Give me more credit then that, Ginny!" He cried angrily, while his sister simply stared at him. 'Yeah, that's Ron, alright.' She thought, because only Ron's ears got that red when he was upset.
"Well, how was I to know?"
His blue eyes darken with disgust, as he shook his head. "The truth is… I almost didn't make it out of there after Voldemort recovered." He played with his stew. Ron went on in a darken tone, "It went like this. After you left, I headed off to find Hermione. I hadn't seen her in a while, so I was worried… I found her… But she was in a bad way." The witch could only imagine what he meant by this.
"She's blind, Ginny." He told her mournfully.
Ginny gasped, as she finally put it together. That woman downstairs had been Hermione. Inwardly, her stomach lurched and she set her spoon down. She felt sick. She knew what it was like to loose a vital sense like that. And if Ron's tone was any indication, that had not been the worse punishment dealt to the Head Girl. The redhead mother shivered at the possibilities.
"I knew I had to get Hermione out of there… But… That was when Voldemort, himself, caught up with me." Ginny was shocked to see her brother say the name, and not flinch. In fact, his eyes burned a little darker with hatred. Ron glared at nothing as he went on. "He was really pissed off – err – I mean, upset with me. Either because I was friends with Harry, or because I hexed him and allowed you to escape… Made little difference, really."
"And?"
"And I don't really remember, I think I almost died." Ron said in a very matter of fact tone. She shuttered to think how he could be so uninterested about it. It made her wonder what had happened within the six years apart. He was talking again, "Then I woke up to Hermione shaking my shoulder. It was nightfall, Voldemort's forces had long since left Hogwarts… Apparently he thought he killed me too. It worked in my favor, because no one looks for a dead man."
"Hermione, she was that woman downstairs, wasn't she?" Ron raised an eyebrow and grinned wildly. "Of course that's her. You didn't recognize her?" Ginny squirmed in her chair, before she took a large swig of her pumpkin juice. "I thought it was her, but I couldn't be sure."
"Yeah, well she was on to you the second you walked in the door." Ginny blinked and smiled, "Really?" Ron nodded, "Well of course! She told me that your alias was a dead give away." The redhead laughed to herself, before she shook her head. "Trust Hermione to figure it out, no one else did."
"That's a miracle…" He scoffed and earned a glare from his sister. Ron smirked, "You know, I don't usually do the slave labor, but Hermione insisted I take dinner up to you. I thought she was nutters, but now I see her reasoning."
"So… What about the rest of us? What of Mum and Dad? Are they all here…?" She trailed off, as she watched Ron's face ashen until his freckles stood out. Her heart twisted painfully in her chest. Her dinner rose in her throat. Ginny had thought she was prepared for this moment. She was wrong…
"Mum is here, but she…" Ron shook his head and stared at nothing. When he spoke again, a cool edge had moved over his voice. "When that bastard found out she was part of the Order… Mum was sentenced to the 'Kiss.' Thought Mum would serve as a remaining lesson to any that tried to defy him. He said no one would be spared justice… Ain't that rich?" He asked bitterly.
Ginny gasped in horror, "No! He didn't!" She cried as she shot to her feet, her plate spilled on the floor. She knew what was meant by the 'kiss.' Molly Weasley was without her very soul! James cried out in surprise during the commotion. His green eyes snapped to his Uncle Ron, who reached over to calm his sister. "Shh, Ginny… Don't upset James." His voice was barely above a whisper, as his eyes flicked to the child, already protective towards the little boy – how very Ron. "Hey James, I hear you are quite taken with Lils?" The boy nervously looked at his mother, then back to his smirking uncle. "Yeah."
"Alright then, I'm sure he's getting hungry." Ron flashed a wide grin. He placed his fingers to his lips, then let out a sharp whistle. The redheaded wizard paused a moment to listen, then smiled encouragingly. "There… The mutt should be right outside, how about you go give him some stew?" James nodded and took the bowl of stew from his uncle. The kid then hurried to the door, sure enough, there was Lils. The boy slipped out the door, and then closed it to a crack.
It had been so smooth, that Ginny was momentarily envious of Ron. After a quiet moment, in which she could hear James talking happily outside the door, she looked back at her brother. The older Weasley smiled sadly. 'There was more… Oh Merlin, no, there's more!' The woman thought wildly, as she bit her lip. Tears crested in her eyes. "And what of Dad?"
Ron's blue eyes dropped to the floor, he shook his head sadly. He hadn't needed to say anything; she got what he meant simply by the gesture. "He wasn't so lucky." Ginny moaned, as a sob bubbled up her throat. She felt faintish, while her legs collapsed from under her. Thankfully, her older brother grabbed her limp body and pulled her down into the chair beside him. "Oh," she gasped in between sobs, as she reached up and gripped the labels of his black robe. "W-what… What about… What about Bill? Charlie? George, Fred? Hell, what about Percy?" She cried in a panic.
The redheaded wizard's expression darkened. He looked like he didn't want to say. Ginny glared up at him, before she snapped. "Ron! Tell me! I need to know! Tell me what happened!"
"Alright! Alright…" He muttered, as his shoulders slumped. "Bill and Charlie were in the Order, you remember…" He trailed off. Ginny picked up on his unspoken words. No one from the Order of the Phoenix survived, save for her mother and Remus – who knew if Lupin was still alive. "They fought bravely, I've heard… But… It wasn't much use…"
Ginny's lip quivered, as another sob rose in her chest. She trembled violently with grief. Her Dad, Bill and Charlie… Dead. The redhead witch buried her face in her brother's shoulder. She barely registered that Ron ran his fingers along her hair, a lame attempt to comfort her.
"George," Ron continued sadly. "Ol' George hasn't been the same, since Fred disappeared three years ago… We tried to find him… Really we did… But we haven't had any luck, I'm afraid." His tone darken with loathing, "we think that Malfoy got to him." Ginny moaned in heartbreak. Fred was missing too. Most of her family was snatched away from her, and she hadn't even known.
"And… And Percy?" She whispered, "what about Percy?" Her hands tighten around the labels of Ron's robes. "H-he…" Her older brother faltered, as he stared at his grieving sister. He shook his head and looked away. Percy was gone too! "When Voldemort raided the Ministry of Magic six years ago… Percy didn't live through it."
"Oh no… Oh no… No, no!" She moaned wildly. "This can't be right! They can't all be… No!" Ginny choked on a sob, as she rubbed her wet face on Ron's shoulder. Her brother only continued to run his trembling hands through her moist hair. "I know, Ginny… I know…"
"Ron! They can't all be gone!"
"I'm sorry, Ginny…"
She collapsed into sobs. Ginny didn't want to hear it. She didn't want to hear Ron's lame attempt to comfort her. She wanted to wake up from this horrible nightmare. She wanted to wake up and see her family. They would say, "Surprise! We're all okay! Only kidding, Ginny!" Only, it wasn't a joke. It was real. It hurt too much to be a dream.
"But…" Ron spoke in a soft voice. "You don't understand how happy I am to see you back here… Sometimes." His voice faded, as his throat momentarily closed up. "Sometimes… I thought I would go mad if you were gone too." At that confession, she wept louder then tightly hugged him.
"Ginny, it's been so hard." Ron told her brokenly. She pulled away enough to look up at his pained face. "B-but you were really okay… And you're here… Please tell me I'm not dreaming. I don't think I could stand to wake up and not know if you're alive, or what again…" He begged, as tears slipped from his blue eyes.
It hurt her soul to see her brother cry. Ron had never cried in front of her, while they had been growing up. Not that she could remember anyways. He was always the brave brother, who was prone to loosing his temper, a little gullible, dreadfully afraid of spiders, a little overprotective, but never one to cry…
"No, it's not a dream… I'm here, Ron." She told him firmly. The brokenhearted witch swallowed another bout of painful sobs. "I'm so sorry." Ginny wheezed out, as she stared up at him with her wet eyes. "If I'd known… If… I could of… I would've… I—"
"No, Ginny." Ron Weasley shook his head, and then he forced a smile. "I'm glad, I made Remus take you away. I didn't know…" He trailed off, his eyes moved to the door. He then looked back at her, "I didn't know that you and Harry had a son… I wouldn't have had it any different." Ginny only collapsed into her grief, while her brother just rocked her.
She had always known, in a way, that things were not well. It was only a dream back at the little hut in the woods. Her family was in the thick of things and struggled to survive, while she was making pies! Ginny felt like she had betrayed them. 'I should have been here! I should of never left! If I had stayed, maybe I could of done something! Anything!'
"Mum?" James whimpered, as he opened the door. He stumbled over towards the brother and sister. The child looked extremely white in the face for some reason. He stopped in front of them, and trembled violently. "I'm sorry!"
Ginny threw a confused look at Ron, who slowly grinned. He seemed to grasp the problem before her. It was a miracle in itself, she guessed. 'What happened to my clueless brother?' The younger Weasley thought to herself. "Blimey! Ginny, he IS Harry's kid!"
The redheaded witch looked at her upset son. His green eyes leaked with tears, as he hiccupped on his sobs. James's hand shook at his sides. 'You think you're to blame? Why, little heart? Why do you think I blame you?'
Beside him, Lils tried to console the child. He looked quite upset, when even he could do nothing. The dog glanced towards her, and then mournfully moaned. For a moment, the gaze caught Ginny by surprise. It was as if he wanted her to do something… The sheepdog returned his eyes to James, and shifted restlessly. The Border Collie licked at the boy's hand in a comforting manner.
"No, James," Ginny breathed, as she lifted her arms to the upset child. James immediately crawled into her lap. He buried his face in her shoulder, as his hands fisted her dress. "It has nothing to do w-with you." She unsteadily told him, as she ran her fingers through his hair. "Shh, love. I w-won't have you crying for something you haven't done." James pulled back and fixed her with his large, but grief-stricken eyes. He didn't look convinced.
"But…"
"No." She told him firmly, as she slowly gain control over her own voice. "It was Voldemort. He's the one that hurt everyone, not you. Never you."
James sniffled and reached up to push tears out of his green eyes. He let his hand drop, as he fixed her with a fierce stare. "I don't like him, mum! He took Dada away! He makes you cry!" His innocent face knotted up with pure, undying hatred. "And I hate him! I HATE Voldemort!"
Ron flinched at the harsh words. His eyes looked sympathetically back at his sister. Ginny was completely stunned by her son, but she didn't say anything. Instead, the redhead witch pulled him tightly into her chest. She placed a tender kiss on James's head.
After a long while of silence, the misery had settled completely over her heart. She suddenly wanted to get away. She had to do something. Anything, but sit there and think about how shitty life had gotten. "Ron?"
"Yeah, Ginny?"
"Would it be alright," her voice faded for a second, as a lump rose in her throat. She grunted, as she swallowed it down and tried again. "Would it be alright if I could see everyone?" Her brother smiled tenderly at her. Ginny felt pride and love well in her at the warm look. A harsh blow had been dealt to the Weasley family in this war. Thankfully… She still had Ron, George and Hermione. She still had them.
"Of course, Ginny. Hermione's probably antsy by now." He scoffed, before he stood. "Well then? Come on."
***
TBC…
Whoo! Lots of angst in that one! Least Ron and Hermione are back! :)
