Chapter 10: Percy's Return
Harry was extremely pleased that he had only had two nightmares in the past 14 days. Neither of these had caused him to wake up screaming. Ginny, on the other hand, had been having more and more nightmares over the past fortnight. She still came to Harry to talk, though, because they weren't sure how the adults would handle him coming to the girls' bedroom at night.
Ginny sat wrapped in Harry's arms, crying like there was no tomorrow. She had dreamed that Voldemort had attacked Hogwarts, and again she'd been unable to help Harry when he'd needed her.
"Shh, Ginny," he cooed, rocking her slowly back and forth.
Eventually, she calmed down, and her tears slowed. She thought of what this recurring theme could mean. "Harry," she said in a hushed voice, "I think that, someday, when you need me, I won't be there."
"Impossible," he said and then kissed her softly, "not even your family could tear us apart."
"Watch it," she laughed, but for some reason she still felt that hollow dread in the pit of her stomach.
"Don't worry, Gin," he stroked her flaming red hair, "You said it yourself: You're not going anywhere."
"Thanks, Harry," she said. She stood up to leave, but Harry pulled her back and kissed her goodnight.
"Sweet dreams," he whispered.
Ginny woke up late the next morning. She could hear laughter coming from downstairs. Getting up to get dressed, she wondered what everyone could possibly be so happy about. These thoughts stayed with her as she went down the stairs alone. She entered the kitchen to find a tall, skinny, red-haired young man...
"Percy!" she squealed, running into her older brother's arms.
"Hey, Ginny," he smiled.
"What are you doing here?"
"I've joined the Order of the Phoenix, of course," he answered in a slightly annoyed voice.
"But what will Fudge–" Ginny stopped as she saw the frantic gestures from Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Lupin. She looked back at Percy to see his expression become clouded.
"Father and I still have some, we need to discuss about the Minister..."
She dropped the subject at once.
Ginny was spared from the task of changing the conversation to a new topic when Hedwig, Pig, and Errol arrived with the post. The foursome rushed over to retrieve their new Hogwarts things.
"I still can't believe Mum has enough time to go school shopping for us and do stuff for the Order as well," Ron marveled.
a/n: oh yeah, one more thing - i'm sorry if anyone finds my story too rushed. it's just the way that i write; i can't help it. sorry, guys... ::sob::