Chapter 17
Ron had just reached the door to the house when a cold feeling swept over him. He had felt like this before although he couldn't quite place it. Maybe it's just cold out, he thought to himself as he used his wand to unlock the door.
Fred was pacing the living room, face pale. Hermione sat on the couch nervously watching Fred pace as Ron entered the house.
"Ron," Fred lunged at his brother. "Did you find her? Where's Harry?"
"Get off me," Ron pushed his brother away. He went over and took a seat next to Hermione. "We found her. She was at the park. She's fine. She and Harry should be here any minute. I had to give them some space," Ron sighed, exhausted.
Hermione rested her head on his shoulder. "All I can say is finally. Those two have had it coming a long time."
Fred, who had gained colour back into his face smirked. "I bet they're snogging."
"Fred!" Ron shuttered. "I really didn't need a mental image of that. Thank you. But no, they're not snogging. I'm telling you, they'll be here any minute."
"Whatever you say little brother," Fred winked. "I'm heading up to check on George."
Fred made his way upstairs leaving Ron and Hermione seated on the couch. As soon as his brother was out of them room Ron took Hermione's hand, entwining their fingers. Hermione smiled.
"I'm glad Ginny's alright."
Ron nodded. "Me too. Although now that Fred's mentioned it I'm a bit worried about leaving her with Harry '
"Ron," Hermione lightly hit his arm. "You know Harry loves her. He'd never do anything to her."
"I know. It's just hard to think of my sister and best mate together."
"Ron, you be nice to them. Leave Ginny and Harry alone. You're lucky Harry didn't bug you when…well…when we got together."
"What do you mean?" Ron asked puzzled.
"Ron, you're his best mate. Harry is like my brother. I'm like his sister. So for him, because we like each other it's like Harry's sister and best mate too."
"I never thought about that," Ron said thoughtfully.
"I know. I thought you ought to. So leave them alone."
"I will," Ron agreed.
"You will?" Hermione asked relieved.
"Yes," Ron said tickling her. "I will." Hermione burst into a ft of giggles.
"Stop. Ron," she gasped for breath. Ron laughed hard. He too struggled to take a deep breath. When he finally managed his breath was cold. His insides became cold again, like they had outside.
"Ron," Hermione's voice quivered.
"I feel it too," Ron stood up. He breathed out cold air. Fred came pounding down the stairs.
"What's going on?" he asked.
Ron looked at Hermione and nodded. "Dementors," he said whipping his wand out again. Would this never end?
"Dementors? Here?" Fred asked, he too pulling out his wand.
"How did they find us?" Ron questioned.
"I don't know," Hermione said shaking her head. She stood up and stepped up beside Ron.
Suddenly a scream pierced the air. Ginny's.
"Damn it," Fred swore bolting out the door. Ron was right behind him. They made it to the sidewalk and looked down to the end of the street. A whole group of dementors swarmed around something.
"Expecto Patronum," Ron heard a female voice shout from behind him. A bright light shot out across the street to the heard of black figures.
"Expecto Patronum," he heard his brother shout next to him.
Finally, raising his wand in the air Ron yelled, "Expecto Patronum." The blob of dementors seemed to diminish. Once the three were sure they were all gone they lowered their wands.
As the light subsided Ron noticed his sister standing upright. Before he could ever think he was sprinting to her. When he reached her his eyes feel upon the same thing hers were on. Fred came up behind him followed by Hermione. Hermione gasped. An unconscious Harry lay before them.
Ginny dropped to her knees beside him. "Wake up. Harry, can you hear me? Come on, please wake up."
Ron placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let's get him home."
