Ginny cradled Harry's head in her lap. His skin was pale and cold to the touch. He breathed slowly, as if it took every ounce of energy he had.
The smell of burned flesh assailed Ginny's nostrils. She glanced down at Harry's chest and saw the hole that had been burned into his shirt. His skin was charred and blistered.
Ginny had torn off one of her sleeves and was pressing it to the wound, tying to stop a slow trickle of blood. It had been hours since she had started, and her makeshift bandage was heavy with blood.
She had awoken to find Harry and herself in a horrible, damp cell. The walls, floor and ceiling were all made of some metal. In the middle of the ceiling was a globe of light that lit the cell enough for Ginny to see around the small room.
They weren't chained down, but the small door in one of the walls was locked. Occasionally, Ginny could hear someone walk by the door, but they would never stop.
Harry moved his head in her lap and muttered something in his sleep. It sounded like a whimper. Ginny pushed the hair out of his eyes. His wire-frame glasses were gone. They had been lost in the capture.
Ginny leaned down and kissed Harry's cold forehead. She felt tears well up in her eyes but she forced them down. She wouldn't give the Death Eaters the pleasure of seeing her cry.
Harry jerked suddenly, and his eyes opened wide. "Gin..." was all he said before he passed out again.
Ginny would have given all she had just to see Harry's flashing, green eyes open again. She thought back to Ron's rescue and all that had happened. Harry had been like a pillar of strength during the whole thing. He had been willing to give his life just to know his friends would live.
Ginny remembered the moment when Harry had grabbed her and thrown her to the ground during the Death Eater attack. He had seen the horrible spell that had burned a hole in his chest heading for Ginny. And he had been hit by it. He had been protecting her.
Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived had been willing to give his own life for her, Ginny Weasley. The very idea was outrageous, and yet very familiar. Harry had always risked his life for his friends. That was why she loved him.
The small door opened and a tall boy walked in. He was thin, almost emaciated, and his short black hair was the color of night. He wore, white wool pants and black knee-high riding boots. The sword of Gryffindor hung from his belt.
The boy strolled into the room and up to Ginny. He smirked down at her. "Put him down."
Ginny gritted her teeth and shook her head. "No."
The punch was fast and Ginny had no time to prepare for it. Her face was thrown to the side and her ears rang. She tasted blood and the room swam, but Ginny didn't release Harry's head, fearing that the boy had come to kill him. She would never let go.
When her eyes cleared, she saw the boy rubbing his knuckles painfully. He obviously wasn't used to doing things this way. He noticed her looking at him and said, "Listen, bitch, I'm not here to kill him. I'm here to heal him."
He must have noticed the doubt in Ginny's eyes, because he said, "The Dark Lord would be very disappointed if the Boy Who Lived was dead before he got a chance to see him."
Voldemort. Voldemort was coming here.
The boy saw Ginny's fearful look and smiled. "Don't worry, love. He's not here yet. He has pressing business elsewhere. But he's coming."
Ginny didn't move. She wouldn't let this boy touch Harry. "Go to hell."
The second punch left her dazed. She barely felt her head hit the cold, metal floor. She never passed out, but she saw spots. Through the spots she could see the thin boy take out his wand. Ginny tried to reach Harry, but her body wasn't obeying her commands.
The thin boy muttered a few, strange words and a sickly yellow light exited the tip of his wand. The light settled on Harry's chest. For a moment, nothing happened. Then Harry began to jerk and writhe.
Ginny could see the skin on Harry's chest begin to close, but it seemed to be causing Harry extraordinary pain.
The thin boy stood up and put his wand back into his pocket. "I'm afraid that's as good as it gets. Learning to heal isn't a priority with the group I'm with now."
Ginny looked to Harry's chest and winced. The wound had closed completely, but in its place was a vicious, fist-size scar. Harry looked a little healthier and he seemed to be breathing normally.
"Are you finished?" Ginny asked.
Thin boy nodded and motioned to Harry's chest. "That spell wasn't even meant for him. I aimed it at you. But of course Harry Potter had to be a hero."
Ginny didn't answer. She just crawled her way over to Harry. She put his head in her lap again.
The boy turned to leave, but he stopped at the door and spun back to Ginny. "Tell Potter that Silas says 'Hi'. He'll remember me."
Ginny gritted her teeth. "That sword doesn't belong to you."
Silas smiled and looked down at the sword on his belt. "It does now." he said, but he was careful not to touch it with his skin.
Ginny remembered some of the stories about how the Sword of Gryffindor would not allow those with evil in their hearts to wield it. Maybe some the stories were true. "What's the matter, Silas? Can't you touch it?"
The smile disappeared from Silas' face and he stalked out of the cell.
Harry moved suddenly and said, "Ginny...I can't open my eyes."
Ginny laughed in relief. She had feared that Harry would never wake. "Don't try. Just rest. You were really hurt."
Harry tried to roll over, but he groaned in pain. "I still am."
"You were dying, but they healed you."
"They?"
"Death Eaters."
Harry forced his eyes open. "Where are we?" Harry asked, not having enough energy to move.
Ginny shrugged. "I don't know. After you passed out, I tried dragging you away, but one of them hit me with something. I blacked out, too. I woke up and we were here."
Harry sighed. "What about Draco and Susan? I didn't see them. Did they get away?"
"Well, they're not here. They might be in a different cell." Ginny was suddenly very scared. She hadn't let the fear sink before because of her worry for Harry, but now it was hitting her full-force "How are we going to get out of here, Harry?"
Harry must have seen the fear, because he pulled Ginny into a tight embrace. "We've been in tighter spots than this, Dot. Remember the Chamber of Secrets? This will be a cakewalk compared to that."
Ginny could see that Harry was just trying to cheer her up, but she smiled anyway. Harry was always looking out for her. That was another reason she loved him. "All of the Death Eaters have a strange accent. It's almost French...but different."
Harry's eyes widened. "Almost French? It couldn't be!"
"What is it?"
"Bourbon Street Academy."
"What's that?" Ginny asked.
Harry brought his hands to his face. He looked so tired. "A school in...Louisiana, I think it's called. Bad bunch of guys. They all but admitted to being Death Eaters. I wouldn't be surprised if they were a part of this." Harry sighed deeply. "Why does it have to be like this?" he mumbled through his hands.
Ginny pulled his hands away from his face. "Why does what have to be like this?"
Harry smiled dryly. "My life." he said quietly. "Why does every shadow have some monster lurking in it? Why do I have to endanger every person I ever get close to? Why can't I have a normal life?"
Ginny was quiet for a moment, not knowing what to say. She had never seen Harry like this. Even after Cedric Diggory's death, Harry had been able to keep his perspective. "I don't know the answers to any of those questions, Harry. But I do know that entire world owes you a debt of gratitude. Without you, Voldemort would have ravaged the globe sixteen years ago."
Harry shook his head slowly. "A lot of good it has done. Now Voldemort is back and stronger than ever."
"You can't do everything, Harry." Ginny said. "One of them came in here and healed you. He said you know him. His name is Silas."
Harry laughed dryly. "Yeah, I know him. He ate at the table Quentin, Susan and I sat at during the banquet. He's a dick."
Ginny nodded. "Yeah, he is."
Harry pushed Ginny's red hair away from her face. His eyes widened when he saw her bruised face. "What happened to you?"
Ginny shrugged uncomfortably. "Silas came in here. He wanted to do heal you, but I thought he wanted to hurt you. I wouldn't let you go, so he hit me a couple of times."
Harry's green eyes flashed dangerously. His jaw tightened in anger. "I'll kill that bastard." he spat. He tried to push himself up to his feet, but he didn't have the strength. His head fell back into Ginny's lap.
Harry's anger was flattering. "Forget it, Harry. You're not strong enough."
Harry nodded an looked her in the eye. "Thanks for looking out for me, Gin."
Ginny smiled and shrugged. "I need to save your life a couple more times before we're even."
Harry stared at her a moment before something monumental occurred to him. "I love you, Gin."
Ginny's heart stopped. "Yeah, you love all of us Weasleys."
Harry nodded. "I do love all of the Weasleys. But I love you mo-"
He was cut off as the door of the cell opened.
Damn it!, Ginny yelled silently.
A figure walked into the cell. It was a short, hooded, person who walked right up to Ginny and Harry.
"Can we help you?" Harry asked from Ginny's lap.
The figure threw back its hood and revealed its face.
Harry and Ginny gasped.
"Susan!" Harry yelled happily. "Did you escape? You've gotta help us get out of here."
Susan stayed silent, her face emotionless. A strange certainty occurred to Ginny. It couldn't be.
Harry was still ecstatic over Susan's return. "How'd you get away? Those Death Eaters were everywhere."
Ginny eyed Susan cautiously. "Harry, I don't think-"
"Susan," Harry said, concern in his voice. "What's the matter? Are you hurt?"
Susan kept her face like stone. "I'm sorry, Harry." she said quietly. She removed her cloak and revealed the same wool dress that she always wore. She pulled back the right sleeve and exposed her forearm. Etched in to her skin was the Dark Mark.
Harry gasped. "I don't understand." he said slowly.
"I am a Death Eater, Harry." Susan said quietly.
Harry was shocked into silence.
"How?" Ginny asked.
Susan didn't take her eyes off Harry when she said, "My stepfather thought it would be a good idea if the Death Eaters had a spy in all of the American schools. He sent me to Salem."
Susan let that information sink in before she continued. "I did very well, there. I gave any information I could learn to the Death Eaters. I was the top of my class. My true identity was only found out once. A fellow student followed me to my weekly meeting with the Death Eaters. She saw what I was doing. I had to kill her. I had to!" She seemed to be trying to convince herself. "The Death Eaters saw that as an initiation. They gave me the Mark."
"Earlier this summer, I was chosen to be a Student Representative for a banquet with some stupid foreigners. I was scared at the banquet. I hadn't been around men in years. But I met James Evans. He was decent and kind. He protected me from Silas. I have always hated Silas."
Susan's emotionless face finally broke. She looked distressed. "But then James Evans became Harry Potter. I reported his presence to the Death Eaters. It was my duty. They told me to get close to Potter. To make him love me. That way he wouldn't see the betrayal until it was too late."
By now, Harry had realized what was going on. His eyes were squinted in anger. He seemed to want to attack Susan.
Susan saw this, but continued talking. "The Death Eaters wanted to act sooner, but you jumped around too much. From Florida to England and back again. It was impossible to plan the capture."
"But then, we found out the location of the Sentinel compound. For once I knew where you were going to be and when. They were only supposed to take you, Harry. But when Silas tried to kill your friend, you jumped in the way. We needed to move quickly. I knew the power Ron now holds. I knew that if he came too quickly, we might not be able to capture you. We ended up taking both you and Ginny."
Harry was opening and closing his fists in anger. "So what happens now, Susan?" he asked angrily. "We die and you get a promotion? Is that how it works?"
Susan looked pained. "You promised you would remember. No matter what happens."
Harry eyes widened. "You're insane, Susan. You're killing us. I don't care about some lie you told me to not see the truth about you."
Susan fell to her knees. "No, Harry it was true. I do love you."
Harry shook his head slowly. "How can that be true? We're going to die because of you."
"I can't stop that." Susan screamed. But at least you'll die knowing I love you. You will always live on within me. " she said vehemently.
Ginny realized Harry was right. Susan was insane. She truly believed everything would be all right. She didn't care if Harry died as long he remembered she loved him. She thought that made it right.
"That's how Draco knew you." Harry said quietly.
Susan nodded. "There was a Death Eater gathering right after Voldemort's return. Lucius Malfoy brought his son and my stepfather brought me. Draco and I never spoke, but he seemed to remember me anyways. He made me very uncomfortable."
"I can't believe you." Ginny said acidly to Susan. "I let you in my house, in my room. And all that time you were planning on killing us."
Susan looked at Ginny. "You don't know how hard it was for me. You were all so nice. I almost didn't go through with it."
Ginny snorted. "That's great, Susan. I sorry you had such a hard time betraying us to our deaths. But to tell you the truth, it doesn't matter to us how hard it was. We're still going to be dead."
Susan shook her head slowly. "You don't understand. The Dark Lord wants you dead. I can't disobey. He is my master."
"Susan," Harry said, "you said you loved me."
Tears ran down Susan's cheeks. "But you never said it back."
"Because I don't." Harry yelled. "And I never will. You are nothing to me. I hate you."
Susan seemed to shatter. Her shoulders slumped and her chin fell to her chest. She threw one more pleading glance at Harry. "I can't change what's happening."
"Get out, Susan." Harry spat. "I don't even want to see your face."
Susan nodded and left the room.
Harry rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. He didn't want Ginny to see him cry.
***
The twins' bus flew over the plains of Texas. George was at the wheel. Fred was laying in the sleeping bag. Quentin and Draco had been laid out on the floor of the bus. They were both sleeping fitfully. Ron and Hermione sat together in one of the seats.
They touched each other at all times. They held hands, they rubbed knees, and they leaned against each other, anything to keep contact. When they touched, they could feel the magic course through their skin. It was an amazing feeling.
To the twins, Ron and Hermione hadn't said a word to each other. But in reality, they were in constant conversation.
(What are we going to do?) Hermione asked Ron.
Ron shrugged. (I'd do anything to get Harry and Ginny back.)
(So would I, Ron. But we don't even know what we're getting ourselves into.)
(Malfoy said the Bourbon Street Academy was the largest organization of Death Eaters in America. We'll start there.)
(But Quentin and Draco need medical attention. The only person that can help them is Neville. They need to get back to Florida.)
(We don't have time, Hermione! Harry and Ginny might already be dead. If not, every second brings them closer to that end. We need to find them soon.)
(So what are we going to do?)
Ron didn't answer, instead he called up to George. "Turn off the Invisibility Booster, George. We need to talk and I don't want to speak with disembodied voices."
"Give me a minute, Ron." George called back. Suddenly the bus shot up into the clouds. As soon as the broke the cloud-line, George reached over and turned off the Invisibility Booster. The bus popped back into view.
"Wake Fred up." Ron said to his brother.
While George was waking up his twin, Ron leaned over and shook Draco awake. Draco's leg was still in bad shape and he couldn't walk. His eyes whipped open and he winced away from Ron's hand.
Bad dreams, Ron thought.
Ron didn't wake Quentin. He was still in pretty bad shape, and Ron didn't want to put any stress on him.
Once every one was awake, Ron said, "We need to make some choices. Draco and Quentin need some healing, but Harry and Ginny have been captured. We have a pretty good idea of where they are, but we can't stop. I'm open to any suggestions."
"I think we should go after Harry and Ginny.", Fred said slowly.
George shook his head. "I want my little sister back too, but we can't stop. Quentin can't make it another day. He needs to get back."
Ron looked down at Draco.
Surprisingly, Draco said, "I don't care what you guys do. I'm going after Potter. I'm the only one that can get in. I just have to throw my father's name around and they'll let me in."
Hermione shook her head. "No, Draco. You can't go."
Draco was getting mad. "What? This?" he said gesturing to his burnt leg. "I'm fine! I might limp around a bit, but-"
"That's not what I mean, Draco." Hermione said. "Susan knows about your fall from grace with the Death Eaters. If you go, they'll kill you on sight."
Draco searched for something to say, but he couldn't think of anything. Instead he just stared at the roof of the bus.
Ron stood up. "There is no getting around it. Quentin needs to get back. Draco can't go. Fred and George are the only ones that know how to fly the bus. I say the twins drop me off in New Orleans. I'll find Harry and Ginny break them out. We'll find some other way back to Florida."
Hermione stood up outrage clearly stamped on her face. "You're not leaving me behind, Ron."
Ron laughed. "I know, Hermione. I didn't think I had to ask."
"Oh." Hermione said and sat down again with a smile on her face.
George looked doubtful. "I know you've changed a lot, Ron. But that place will be covered by Death Eaters. Even if you can get in, how are you going to get out of that city? And if you get caught..."
Ron smiled widely. "We'll just not get caught, then."
The bus flew for about another two hours. Quentin started to get really bad around the Texas-Louisiana border. He would pass in and out of consciousness, but when he was awake, he would wheeze loudly and mumble strange things. He wouldn't respond when any of the others tried to talk to him. He was fading away.
When they flew over New Orleans, George said, "I'll bring it down so you two can get out."
Ron shook his head. "No time. Just get closer to the ground."
Fred stood up and took off his sweater. It was one of the sweaters that he had received from his mother on Christmas. It was blue and comfortable. The T-shirt that Ron had been captured in was shredded and was barely decent. Fred held his sweater out to Ron. "Take this."
Ron looked down at it and smiled. "Thanks, Fred." He put on the sweater and hugged his brother. "I'll see you in a couple days." Fred nodded and climbed back into the sleeping bag.
The bus slowly floated towards the ground, but long before it reached the surface, Ron grabbed Hermione around the waist and said, "Ready for a ride?" he asked with a smile.
Hermione knew exactly what he meant and nodded. "Be my legs."
Ron nodded and lifted her off the floor of the bus. He carried her to the front of the bus and opened the side door.
"Ron!" George screamed. "We're still too high!"
"Just get to Florida, George!" Ron said over his shoulder and jumped out of the bus.
Ron and Hermione fell through the air. Hermione buried her face in Ron's shoulder. She was scared, but she trusted Ron to take care of her.
The fall was over a hundred feet. Ron held Hermione tightly to his chest. He knew that if he lost control, she would die the moment they hit the ground. The pavement of the street below came rushing towards them.
Ron straightened his legs and braced for the impact. Ron's legs held strong as he hit the street. Hermione held onto him with all of her strength, but the impact knocked the wind out of her.
Ron looked at his feet and saw the he had cracked the stone of the street. The fall should have broken every bone in his legs, but he had barely felt it. He marveled at how much he had changed and put Hermione down on her feet. (You OK?)
Hermione nodded, breathing hard.
Several Muggles were staring at them. They had been walking the street when Ron and Hermione fell from the sky and now were staring at them in shock.
Ron bowed grandiosely to the gathering crowd.
When Hermione had gotten her breath back, they began walking up the street. The crowd parted in awe.
Yeah, I'm a Matrix fan.
The smell of burned flesh assailed Ginny's nostrils. She glanced down at Harry's chest and saw the hole that had been burned into his shirt. His skin was charred and blistered.
Ginny had torn off one of her sleeves and was pressing it to the wound, tying to stop a slow trickle of blood. It had been hours since she had started, and her makeshift bandage was heavy with blood.
She had awoken to find Harry and herself in a horrible, damp cell. The walls, floor and ceiling were all made of some metal. In the middle of the ceiling was a globe of light that lit the cell enough for Ginny to see around the small room.
They weren't chained down, but the small door in one of the walls was locked. Occasionally, Ginny could hear someone walk by the door, but they would never stop.
Harry moved his head in her lap and muttered something in his sleep. It sounded like a whimper. Ginny pushed the hair out of his eyes. His wire-frame glasses were gone. They had been lost in the capture.
Ginny leaned down and kissed Harry's cold forehead. She felt tears well up in her eyes but she forced them down. She wouldn't give the Death Eaters the pleasure of seeing her cry.
Harry jerked suddenly, and his eyes opened wide. "Gin..." was all he said before he passed out again.
Ginny would have given all she had just to see Harry's flashing, green eyes open again. She thought back to Ron's rescue and all that had happened. Harry had been like a pillar of strength during the whole thing. He had been willing to give his life just to know his friends would live.
Ginny remembered the moment when Harry had grabbed her and thrown her to the ground during the Death Eater attack. He had seen the horrible spell that had burned a hole in his chest heading for Ginny. And he had been hit by it. He had been protecting her.
Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived had been willing to give his own life for her, Ginny Weasley. The very idea was outrageous, and yet very familiar. Harry had always risked his life for his friends. That was why she loved him.
The small door opened and a tall boy walked in. He was thin, almost emaciated, and his short black hair was the color of night. He wore, white wool pants and black knee-high riding boots. The sword of Gryffindor hung from his belt.
The boy strolled into the room and up to Ginny. He smirked down at her. "Put him down."
Ginny gritted her teeth and shook her head. "No."
The punch was fast and Ginny had no time to prepare for it. Her face was thrown to the side and her ears rang. She tasted blood and the room swam, but Ginny didn't release Harry's head, fearing that the boy had come to kill him. She would never let go.
When her eyes cleared, she saw the boy rubbing his knuckles painfully. He obviously wasn't used to doing things this way. He noticed her looking at him and said, "Listen, bitch, I'm not here to kill him. I'm here to heal him."
He must have noticed the doubt in Ginny's eyes, because he said, "The Dark Lord would be very disappointed if the Boy Who Lived was dead before he got a chance to see him."
Voldemort. Voldemort was coming here.
The boy saw Ginny's fearful look and smiled. "Don't worry, love. He's not here yet. He has pressing business elsewhere. But he's coming."
Ginny didn't move. She wouldn't let this boy touch Harry. "Go to hell."
The second punch left her dazed. She barely felt her head hit the cold, metal floor. She never passed out, but she saw spots. Through the spots she could see the thin boy take out his wand. Ginny tried to reach Harry, but her body wasn't obeying her commands.
The thin boy muttered a few, strange words and a sickly yellow light exited the tip of his wand. The light settled on Harry's chest. For a moment, nothing happened. Then Harry began to jerk and writhe.
Ginny could see the skin on Harry's chest begin to close, but it seemed to be causing Harry extraordinary pain.
The thin boy stood up and put his wand back into his pocket. "I'm afraid that's as good as it gets. Learning to heal isn't a priority with the group I'm with now."
Ginny looked to Harry's chest and winced. The wound had closed completely, but in its place was a vicious, fist-size scar. Harry looked a little healthier and he seemed to be breathing normally.
"Are you finished?" Ginny asked.
Thin boy nodded and motioned to Harry's chest. "That spell wasn't even meant for him. I aimed it at you. But of course Harry Potter had to be a hero."
Ginny didn't answer. She just crawled her way over to Harry. She put his head in her lap again.
The boy turned to leave, but he stopped at the door and spun back to Ginny. "Tell Potter that Silas says 'Hi'. He'll remember me."
Ginny gritted her teeth. "That sword doesn't belong to you."
Silas smiled and looked down at the sword on his belt. "It does now." he said, but he was careful not to touch it with his skin.
Ginny remembered some of the stories about how the Sword of Gryffindor would not allow those with evil in their hearts to wield it. Maybe some the stories were true. "What's the matter, Silas? Can't you touch it?"
The smile disappeared from Silas' face and he stalked out of the cell.
Harry moved suddenly and said, "Ginny...I can't open my eyes."
Ginny laughed in relief. She had feared that Harry would never wake. "Don't try. Just rest. You were really hurt."
Harry tried to roll over, but he groaned in pain. "I still am."
"You were dying, but they healed you."
"They?"
"Death Eaters."
Harry forced his eyes open. "Where are we?" Harry asked, not having enough energy to move.
Ginny shrugged. "I don't know. After you passed out, I tried dragging you away, but one of them hit me with something. I blacked out, too. I woke up and we were here."
Harry sighed. "What about Draco and Susan? I didn't see them. Did they get away?"
"Well, they're not here. They might be in a different cell." Ginny was suddenly very scared. She hadn't let the fear sink before because of her worry for Harry, but now it was hitting her full-force "How are we going to get out of here, Harry?"
Harry must have seen the fear, because he pulled Ginny into a tight embrace. "We've been in tighter spots than this, Dot. Remember the Chamber of Secrets? This will be a cakewalk compared to that."
Ginny could see that Harry was just trying to cheer her up, but she smiled anyway. Harry was always looking out for her. That was another reason she loved him. "All of the Death Eaters have a strange accent. It's almost French...but different."
Harry's eyes widened. "Almost French? It couldn't be!"
"What is it?"
"Bourbon Street Academy."
"What's that?" Ginny asked.
Harry brought his hands to his face. He looked so tired. "A school in...Louisiana, I think it's called. Bad bunch of guys. They all but admitted to being Death Eaters. I wouldn't be surprised if they were a part of this." Harry sighed deeply. "Why does it have to be like this?" he mumbled through his hands.
Ginny pulled his hands away from his face. "Why does what have to be like this?"
Harry smiled dryly. "My life." he said quietly. "Why does every shadow have some monster lurking in it? Why do I have to endanger every person I ever get close to? Why can't I have a normal life?"
Ginny was quiet for a moment, not knowing what to say. She had never seen Harry like this. Even after Cedric Diggory's death, Harry had been able to keep his perspective. "I don't know the answers to any of those questions, Harry. But I do know that entire world owes you a debt of gratitude. Without you, Voldemort would have ravaged the globe sixteen years ago."
Harry shook his head slowly. "A lot of good it has done. Now Voldemort is back and stronger than ever."
"You can't do everything, Harry." Ginny said. "One of them came in here and healed you. He said you know him. His name is Silas."
Harry laughed dryly. "Yeah, I know him. He ate at the table Quentin, Susan and I sat at during the banquet. He's a dick."
Ginny nodded. "Yeah, he is."
Harry pushed Ginny's red hair away from her face. His eyes widened when he saw her bruised face. "What happened to you?"
Ginny shrugged uncomfortably. "Silas came in here. He wanted to do heal you, but I thought he wanted to hurt you. I wouldn't let you go, so he hit me a couple of times."
Harry's green eyes flashed dangerously. His jaw tightened in anger. "I'll kill that bastard." he spat. He tried to push himself up to his feet, but he didn't have the strength. His head fell back into Ginny's lap.
Harry's anger was flattering. "Forget it, Harry. You're not strong enough."
Harry nodded an looked her in the eye. "Thanks for looking out for me, Gin."
Ginny smiled and shrugged. "I need to save your life a couple more times before we're even."
Harry stared at her a moment before something monumental occurred to him. "I love you, Gin."
Ginny's heart stopped. "Yeah, you love all of us Weasleys."
Harry nodded. "I do love all of the Weasleys. But I love you mo-"
He was cut off as the door of the cell opened.
Damn it!, Ginny yelled silently.
A figure walked into the cell. It was a short, hooded, person who walked right up to Ginny and Harry.
"Can we help you?" Harry asked from Ginny's lap.
The figure threw back its hood and revealed its face.
Harry and Ginny gasped.
"Susan!" Harry yelled happily. "Did you escape? You've gotta help us get out of here."
Susan stayed silent, her face emotionless. A strange certainty occurred to Ginny. It couldn't be.
Harry was still ecstatic over Susan's return. "How'd you get away? Those Death Eaters were everywhere."
Ginny eyed Susan cautiously. "Harry, I don't think-"
"Susan," Harry said, concern in his voice. "What's the matter? Are you hurt?"
Susan kept her face like stone. "I'm sorry, Harry." she said quietly. She removed her cloak and revealed the same wool dress that she always wore. She pulled back the right sleeve and exposed her forearm. Etched in to her skin was the Dark Mark.
Harry gasped. "I don't understand." he said slowly.
"I am a Death Eater, Harry." Susan said quietly.
Harry was shocked into silence.
"How?" Ginny asked.
Susan didn't take her eyes off Harry when she said, "My stepfather thought it would be a good idea if the Death Eaters had a spy in all of the American schools. He sent me to Salem."
Susan let that information sink in before she continued. "I did very well, there. I gave any information I could learn to the Death Eaters. I was the top of my class. My true identity was only found out once. A fellow student followed me to my weekly meeting with the Death Eaters. She saw what I was doing. I had to kill her. I had to!" She seemed to be trying to convince herself. "The Death Eaters saw that as an initiation. They gave me the Mark."
"Earlier this summer, I was chosen to be a Student Representative for a banquet with some stupid foreigners. I was scared at the banquet. I hadn't been around men in years. But I met James Evans. He was decent and kind. He protected me from Silas. I have always hated Silas."
Susan's emotionless face finally broke. She looked distressed. "But then James Evans became Harry Potter. I reported his presence to the Death Eaters. It was my duty. They told me to get close to Potter. To make him love me. That way he wouldn't see the betrayal until it was too late."
By now, Harry had realized what was going on. His eyes were squinted in anger. He seemed to want to attack Susan.
Susan saw this, but continued talking. "The Death Eaters wanted to act sooner, but you jumped around too much. From Florida to England and back again. It was impossible to plan the capture."
"But then, we found out the location of the Sentinel compound. For once I knew where you were going to be and when. They were only supposed to take you, Harry. But when Silas tried to kill your friend, you jumped in the way. We needed to move quickly. I knew the power Ron now holds. I knew that if he came too quickly, we might not be able to capture you. We ended up taking both you and Ginny."
Harry was opening and closing his fists in anger. "So what happens now, Susan?" he asked angrily. "We die and you get a promotion? Is that how it works?"
Susan looked pained. "You promised you would remember. No matter what happens."
Harry eyes widened. "You're insane, Susan. You're killing us. I don't care about some lie you told me to not see the truth about you."
Susan fell to her knees. "No, Harry it was true. I do love you."
Harry shook his head slowly. "How can that be true? We're going to die because of you."
"I can't stop that." Susan screamed. But at least you'll die knowing I love you. You will always live on within me. " she said vehemently.
Ginny realized Harry was right. Susan was insane. She truly believed everything would be all right. She didn't care if Harry died as long he remembered she loved him. She thought that made it right.
"That's how Draco knew you." Harry said quietly.
Susan nodded. "There was a Death Eater gathering right after Voldemort's return. Lucius Malfoy brought his son and my stepfather brought me. Draco and I never spoke, but he seemed to remember me anyways. He made me very uncomfortable."
"I can't believe you." Ginny said acidly to Susan. "I let you in my house, in my room. And all that time you were planning on killing us."
Susan looked at Ginny. "You don't know how hard it was for me. You were all so nice. I almost didn't go through with it."
Ginny snorted. "That's great, Susan. I sorry you had such a hard time betraying us to our deaths. But to tell you the truth, it doesn't matter to us how hard it was. We're still going to be dead."
Susan shook her head slowly. "You don't understand. The Dark Lord wants you dead. I can't disobey. He is my master."
"Susan," Harry said, "you said you loved me."
Tears ran down Susan's cheeks. "But you never said it back."
"Because I don't." Harry yelled. "And I never will. You are nothing to me. I hate you."
Susan seemed to shatter. Her shoulders slumped and her chin fell to her chest. She threw one more pleading glance at Harry. "I can't change what's happening."
"Get out, Susan." Harry spat. "I don't even want to see your face."
Susan nodded and left the room.
Harry rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. He didn't want Ginny to see him cry.
***
The twins' bus flew over the plains of Texas. George was at the wheel. Fred was laying in the sleeping bag. Quentin and Draco had been laid out on the floor of the bus. They were both sleeping fitfully. Ron and Hermione sat together in one of the seats.
They touched each other at all times. They held hands, they rubbed knees, and they leaned against each other, anything to keep contact. When they touched, they could feel the magic course through their skin. It was an amazing feeling.
To the twins, Ron and Hermione hadn't said a word to each other. But in reality, they were in constant conversation.
(What are we going to do?) Hermione asked Ron.
Ron shrugged. (I'd do anything to get Harry and Ginny back.)
(So would I, Ron. But we don't even know what we're getting ourselves into.)
(Malfoy said the Bourbon Street Academy was the largest organization of Death Eaters in America. We'll start there.)
(But Quentin and Draco need medical attention. The only person that can help them is Neville. They need to get back to Florida.)
(We don't have time, Hermione! Harry and Ginny might already be dead. If not, every second brings them closer to that end. We need to find them soon.)
(So what are we going to do?)
Ron didn't answer, instead he called up to George. "Turn off the Invisibility Booster, George. We need to talk and I don't want to speak with disembodied voices."
"Give me a minute, Ron." George called back. Suddenly the bus shot up into the clouds. As soon as the broke the cloud-line, George reached over and turned off the Invisibility Booster. The bus popped back into view.
"Wake Fred up." Ron said to his brother.
While George was waking up his twin, Ron leaned over and shook Draco awake. Draco's leg was still in bad shape and he couldn't walk. His eyes whipped open and he winced away from Ron's hand.
Bad dreams, Ron thought.
Ron didn't wake Quentin. He was still in pretty bad shape, and Ron didn't want to put any stress on him.
Once every one was awake, Ron said, "We need to make some choices. Draco and Quentin need some healing, but Harry and Ginny have been captured. We have a pretty good idea of where they are, but we can't stop. I'm open to any suggestions."
"I think we should go after Harry and Ginny.", Fred said slowly.
George shook his head. "I want my little sister back too, but we can't stop. Quentin can't make it another day. He needs to get back."
Ron looked down at Draco.
Surprisingly, Draco said, "I don't care what you guys do. I'm going after Potter. I'm the only one that can get in. I just have to throw my father's name around and they'll let me in."
Hermione shook her head. "No, Draco. You can't go."
Draco was getting mad. "What? This?" he said gesturing to his burnt leg. "I'm fine! I might limp around a bit, but-"
"That's not what I mean, Draco." Hermione said. "Susan knows about your fall from grace with the Death Eaters. If you go, they'll kill you on sight."
Draco searched for something to say, but he couldn't think of anything. Instead he just stared at the roof of the bus.
Ron stood up. "There is no getting around it. Quentin needs to get back. Draco can't go. Fred and George are the only ones that know how to fly the bus. I say the twins drop me off in New Orleans. I'll find Harry and Ginny break them out. We'll find some other way back to Florida."
Hermione stood up outrage clearly stamped on her face. "You're not leaving me behind, Ron."
Ron laughed. "I know, Hermione. I didn't think I had to ask."
"Oh." Hermione said and sat down again with a smile on her face.
George looked doubtful. "I know you've changed a lot, Ron. But that place will be covered by Death Eaters. Even if you can get in, how are you going to get out of that city? And if you get caught..."
Ron smiled widely. "We'll just not get caught, then."
The bus flew for about another two hours. Quentin started to get really bad around the Texas-Louisiana border. He would pass in and out of consciousness, but when he was awake, he would wheeze loudly and mumble strange things. He wouldn't respond when any of the others tried to talk to him. He was fading away.
When they flew over New Orleans, George said, "I'll bring it down so you two can get out."
Ron shook his head. "No time. Just get closer to the ground."
Fred stood up and took off his sweater. It was one of the sweaters that he had received from his mother on Christmas. It was blue and comfortable. The T-shirt that Ron had been captured in was shredded and was barely decent. Fred held his sweater out to Ron. "Take this."
Ron looked down at it and smiled. "Thanks, Fred." He put on the sweater and hugged his brother. "I'll see you in a couple days." Fred nodded and climbed back into the sleeping bag.
The bus slowly floated towards the ground, but long before it reached the surface, Ron grabbed Hermione around the waist and said, "Ready for a ride?" he asked with a smile.
Hermione knew exactly what he meant and nodded. "Be my legs."
Ron nodded and lifted her off the floor of the bus. He carried her to the front of the bus and opened the side door.
"Ron!" George screamed. "We're still too high!"
"Just get to Florida, George!" Ron said over his shoulder and jumped out of the bus.
Ron and Hermione fell through the air. Hermione buried her face in Ron's shoulder. She was scared, but she trusted Ron to take care of her.
The fall was over a hundred feet. Ron held Hermione tightly to his chest. He knew that if he lost control, she would die the moment they hit the ground. The pavement of the street below came rushing towards them.
Ron straightened his legs and braced for the impact. Ron's legs held strong as he hit the street. Hermione held onto him with all of her strength, but the impact knocked the wind out of her.
Ron looked at his feet and saw the he had cracked the stone of the street. The fall should have broken every bone in his legs, but he had barely felt it. He marveled at how much he had changed and put Hermione down on her feet. (You OK?)
Hermione nodded, breathing hard.
Several Muggles were staring at them. They had been walking the street when Ron and Hermione fell from the sky and now were staring at them in shock.
Ron bowed grandiosely to the gathering crowd.
When Hermione had gotten her breath back, they began walking up the street. The crowd parted in awe.
Yeah, I'm a Matrix fan.