They don't know how but Ron, Hermione and George managed their way to the hospital wing of the castle. Aside from the black glass like walls, instincts developed from attending Hogwarts had lead them there with no wrong turn. They quickly placed Fred on an empty bed. His breathing was laboured and he was looking paler by the moment. They half expected Mrs. Pomfrey to come in shooing them off into the corridor, but her firm voice never came. They were beginning to wonder why they even came to the hospital wing.
"Out of the way!" shouted a voice.
They felt as if invisible hands pushed them back a few feet. George nearly lost his balance, stabilizing by grabbing onto a nearby chair. Ron clung onto Hermione and saw an emerald green cloaked figure rush towards the bed. With a wave of his wand, they saw the bandages rip off Fred's body, a giant red gash glistened with blood on his abdomen.
"Hey what are you doing?" yelled Ron as he rushed towards the bed.
"I need absolute silence please," commanded the man.
"Who are you? That's my brother you're c…."
"Not now Ron!" said the voice firmly.
The familiarity of the plea hit Ron like a ton of bricks. They slowly walked over to see the man that stood before him. He had long messy but shiny black hair down to his shoulders. A wispy wiry beard covered the rest of his features. He was looking grimly at the wound, mumbling something to himself. They saw him take out a small silver knife and reached over to Fred's head. Ron was about to swat at it but Hermione stopped his hand, looking at him as if to trust her. They heard a small swish and the man had cut a lock of red hair from Fred's head. He proceeded to bid the hair tightly around his wand and pointed it down onto the stomach wound. He murmured something indistinct and a pale blue glow came from the tip of the wand. They were transfixed looking down as he drew the wand over the wound slowly…precisely. Small threads grew out of Fred's wound gently touching the bundle of hair which turned into a faint pink colour. Slowly the threads intertwined, laying themselves over the wound. A web of skin coloured threads mended themselves on the stomach as Fred was moaning in pain but with each new thread, he moaned less and less. The wound was half healed now as the hair spooled itself off the wand in the pale blue light. They looked up to see round spectacles illuminated by the light, intentful eyes behind it concentrating on the procedure.
"Harry?" said Hermione quietly as if in disbelief.
"Nice to see you too Hermione," said Harry as if paying a courtesy.
Harry's eyes moved up and looked over as if searching for someone.
"George," he greeted with a nod.
George just nodded back but Ron saw it took every ounce of willpower to keep George from climbing over the bed and throttling Harry. George's fists were clenched white as his eyes were glaring as if trying to burn a hole in Harry's head. He couldn't do anything for the time being.
Fred gasped as if he breathed for the first time. They looked over at him, his breathing was still laboured but returning to normal. George patted his twin's brow gently, his eyes slightly watery. Fred looked up dazedly giving a weak triumphant smile. Harry was sealing up some minor wounds and applying fresh bandages to other areas of Fred's body. Dobby hopped around nervously looking as if everyone would greet each other with hugs and kisses.
"Disappointing really," said Harry casually as he walked to the foot of the bed, "I thought you would have made it up here without any trouble."
Harry was on the floor before either Hermione or George could react. Harry rubbed his chin where Ron punched him, Ron looking livid. Hermione and George walked over to hold Ron back but he didn't move. Harry felt his lip and looked at the blood on his fingers with mild discomfort.
"You bastard!" growled Ron, "You bloody bastard! Sending a letter saying to come get our dead sister's body! Making us go through those…those…THINGS like we were Dark Wizards and Witches! Damn you Harry!"
"I needed to protect myself," groaned Harry as he got up on his feet. He seemed weak, almost frail but his robes billowed power as if trying to contain it.
"From who Harry? He's dead! You-Know-Who is dead!" said Ron.
"You of all people should know very well who Ron," hissed Harry while he nursed his lip, "What was it I said before? I don't go looking for trouble…trouble usually goes looking for me. Death Eaters, people still loyal to Voldemort, the Ministry, certain reporters…certain teachers who-have-a-grudge-against-my-family."
"So that's why you invited Dark Wizard and Witches up here then right?" said Ron with a snort, "To get away from it all?"
"I did it to protect the world. To protect you!" said Harry looking incredibly unappreciated.
"Oh forgive me if I don't sleep better at night with you having an army of dementors leashed in your backyard Harry!" shouted Ron, he breathed a few times calming himself down, "The Harry I knew protected those closest to him wherever he was. At home…at school anywhere. He stood up for what he thought was right no matter who it was. Whether if it was Malfoy, teachers, Death Eaters….even the ministry…even if it was Dumbledore."
"Don't you dare say that name in my HOUSE!" cursed Harry as he moved onto Ron stabbing his wand into this throat pushing him back into a cabinet. His voice echoed in the room shaking beds, windows and bottles. Dust fell off of the rafters above. Dobby whimpered as if all his expectations were unraveling at the seams.
Hermione gasped running towards Ron but George held her back. They looked on as a moment of silence passed, pure hatred blazed in Harry's eyes. Ron shook causing the contents of the cabinet to rattle. His eyes were looked down onto the wand.
"Or what Harry?" said Ron his voice changed by the tip digging into his neck, "You'll blow me up? You think you're doing a better job than him protecting the world by being up here in your own personal Hogwarts? I reckon Dumbledore never had to kill people on his side that disagreed with him."
Fred coughed in his bed. George debated whether to go over and see what was happening. Dobby was already standing on the bed looking at him.
"Harry Potter sir," he said severely distressed, "Mr. Weezy needs you attention. I mean the twin Weezy that is hurt sir!"
Harry drew his wand away from Ron's throat and walked over to Fred. Hermione ran over to Ron and held him, George just looked at Harry with disgust. A small bit of blood had appeared out of the corner of Fred's mouth. Harry flicked his wand behind him and a small bottle of clear liquid floated towards him, over his shoulder. He took it and placed a few drops in Fred's mouth. As if growing like a rash; Fred's skin on his chest began to grow transparent from his neck down. Harry could see his heart beating strongly.
"Kreacher!" he yelled into the air.
A small crack later Kreacher stood there, still holding onto his head which was slightly bleeding.
"Master called?" said Kreacher indignantly.
"See our guests to their rooms Kreacher. Take care of their luggage please," said Harry casually as he moved his wand over Fred's chest, "And they are not to be harmed."
"Kreacher will help the unworthy ones to their rooms master," he said with a bow while grumbling at the last additional command. He hobbled over to them, bowed every so slightly, snapped his fingers and the luggage returned to their normal size, floating a foot off the air. Kreacher walked out of the room mumbling about the pain in his head while luggage followed him like a small train.
Knowing they shouldn't talk anymore, Ron, Hermione and George followed Kreacher out into the corridor. They didn't know where he was leading them. They were too tired to think. Their instincts guided them again as they naturally walked up stairs and down corridors to the Gryffindor tower. Kreacher who seemed less than enthusiastic in his duties made no complaint about them walking ahead of him, possibly overruling his master's wishes to house them elsewhere. Where the portrait of the Fat Lady stood was instead just an open archway. Kreacher unceremoniously dumped their luggage onto the floor as they walked up to the dormitories. The black glassy stone reflected the lamplight as they all went into the same dormitory taking one bed each. Exhausted physically and emotionally they felt their fear and anger drain away.
….ron….
"Ginny?" Ron thought in his sleep.
"Ron, wake up."
Hermione was shaking Ron's shoulder, black rings were under her eyes. George was busy putting on new warmer robes.
"What's going on?" asked Ron looking a bit confused.
"We are going down to see George. I think they should be done now," said Hermione.
"How do you know?" asked Ron as he rubbed arms, still aching from the day earlier.
"I'm his twin little bro," said George as he rubbed his stomach.
They opened the door but stopped suddenly. Kreacher was standing with his back to them right in the middle of the doorway. He slowly turned around like an ugly little broken toy solider.
"The lovers of filth must stay in their rooms, master commanded it," he growled quietly.
"No," said Ron, "he said to see us to our rooms. You've did that already so we'll be on our way."
Kreacher held up his hand, "Kreacher warns you to stay in your room until master calls for you."
"Didn't your 'master' also tell you that we are not to be harmed?" said George with a smirk, "Now out of the way you ugly little thing."
Kreacher lowered his hand looking like Christmas was cancelled. He stepped back as George pushed past him. Kreacher fell backward hitting his bottom on the cold floor. Hermione went over him to help, but Kreacher batted her hand away telling her that he doesn't let dirt touch him. She looked back at Kreacher but not out of hate but pity. He was so very old now, even more wrinkled and frail than before. His ears drooped more than before and his eyes looked barely alive except when insulting people. Ron took Hermione by the hand and led her after George while Kreacher mumbled something indistinct and hobbled after them.
They were making their way back to the hospital wing when they heard whispers in the dark. They were faint but it sounded like someone down one of the corridors.
"No way," started George, "How could there possibly anyone else in here?"
Kreacher caught up with them, "Kreacher warned you not to leave. Master can't blame Kreacher if they trip and die."
"Shut up George," hissed Ron as he tried to pinpoint where the voices were coming from, "and you too Kreacher!"
He strained his ears seeing if they were echoes or not. Soon enough after going up and down the corridor twice, they headed downstairs. Down and down they went when they coming near where they entered. The doors were still closed, torches illuminating the huge open locks. The voices were louder now, more detailed but still only some words were clear.
….only…a….bit closer….
Ron headed towards the door. There was nothing there. Hermione and George searched the classrooms but they were empty. They headed towards the dungeon when they heard
…move….hey….
They looked towards the eastern part of the castle. There was something glowing faintly white in there. They approached cautiously step by step.
…vigilance…vigilance…
The voices were getting louder. They could hear more complete sentences now. It sounded like an entire crowd was speaking on the other side of the doors. They opened it a creak and yet somehow the voices died down instantly. They opened it more until they were in the Great Hall. However it wasn't the Great Hall they knew. They walked in, columns of stone supported a dark ceiling above. The ceiling was different this time, not showing the sky, but showing stars, suns, and planets rotating slowly in a predestined orbit. The ceiling was magicked to look off into some distant galaxy light-years away from them. They were nearly lost in awe when they heard the voices.
….master….oh master….
….talk to him…how dare you….
They saw something against the far side of the hall. A tall stone throne had been erected as if out of the floor where the teacher's table had sit. A red carpet led down the stairs onto the floor in front. A few meters in front of the throne was the source of the light they saw earlier. They slowly walked over, expecting some sort of trap yet as they got closer the voices got clearer but always staying the same volume now. Barely louder than a whisper but clearer and clearer. The white light became almost blinding, and their eyes had to adjust. They stood over a large circular hole with brilliant white light in it. It was at least twenty meters wide with runes on each stone surrounding it.
It was still blinding as Ron tried to look into it, "What is it?"
"Oh my God," whispered Hermione, "It's….it's a pensive."
Ron and George looked over at Hermione, her eyes wide with horror. Ron looked down into the white mass, his eyes fully adjusted to the brilliant silver light. Memories flowed in a circular fashion in the pensive. It lapped the edges of the hole. It was like looking into a very thick stringy mist or fog. They could see the bottom, but barely as faint faces and figures swirled in and out of view. A small wave of memories rose out of the pool.
…go go Gryffindor…go go Gryffindor…
It splashed down onto the pool again causing a small ripple of muddied voices to call out like a small crowd.
"You still think he's not a nut-job now Ron?" asked George quietly.
Ron didn't answer.
"Weezys and Gran-grr is awake!" said a voice.
Dobby came out of the shadows from the left. He looked most pleased but a bit sad.
"Dobby," said Hermione a bit apprehensive on what to ask next, "When did Harry make this?"
"Oh Harry Potter made it when he first built the castle Ms. Gran-grr. It was smaller back then," he said with worried eyes.
They looked at the massive pensive as it's silver memories glided, quietly murmuring under its misty surface. They wondered what could have caused this to happen. What sort of effect would this have had on Harry to put in so many memories into one place. But more importantly how safe would they be because of this pensive. They imagined as if runes groaned as the memories lapped the edges of the bowl.
"Do you want to see Mrs. Potter sirs?" said Dobby as if there was nothing better to say.
George eyes lit up as Dobby led the way. Hermione followed but had to come back to bring Ron who thoughts were still on the pensive. His eyes looked defeated. They walked over to the right of the Great Hall. There near the center of the right wall there stood George over a long glass box over a pedestal. A white light shone straight down from an unknown source illuminating it. Ron and Hermione walked over with dread as the stopped beside George who was holding back sobs.
Ginny Wesley laid quietly on purple cushions. Her flaming red hair fell neatly down on her pillow as if she was floating in water. She wore a red dress with golden trim which only made her pale skin look whiter. Her wand laid gently in her hands on her chest. Tears openly flowed from Hermione's eyes as she held onto Ron. George was stroking the top of the glass, imaging putting in place a stray hair. Ron just looked down on her little sister. Her only sister. She still looked so beautiful still so young. Her face was white as snow almost peaceful but sad. He imagined how'd they react at home. The voices from the pensive kept murmuring on.
"What happened Dobby," said Ron in a composed voice, "What happened to Ginny?"
"Mistress Ginny died sir…I don't know why but it was like her life faded sir. I felt it leave day by day sir," said Dobby quietly.
"How did this happen? How could Harry allow this?" said George his voice still choked.
"Harry Potter loved her sir. He lived for her," said Dobby trying to be as loyal as possible, "He'd done anything for her sir."
George stood there, his silence speaking for the unacceptable answer. Hermione was quietly weeping as Ron wiped tears from her face. Kreacher walked over and looked peculiarly at the crying humans as if this was an unusual event. His footsteps echoed in the silent hall.
"Mistress Potter was a blood traitor," mumbled Kreacher, "a disgrace and lover of dirt. Her death will return her to the traitorous house."
George was almost ready to rip Kreacher limb from limb when a voice sounded out from the shadows.
"That'll be fifty lashes Kreacher," said Harry as his green robes whished around him.
Kreacher bowed, "Kreacher will gladly taken his punishment from Master Harry Potter if it means leaving the presence of the unworthy ones."
"Then make it a hundred," said Harry without a care.
Kreacher bowed ungraciously and made some inaudible comment. With a small crack the house elf disappeared.
Harry looked a bit approvingly at what happened and walked over to the light. He stood on the opposite side of the glass coffin, gently placing his hands on it.
"Fred is resting in the hospital wing. He'll be ok in a few days," said Harry coolly. He was looking down at Ginny's face, his eyes dark like smoldering coals.
A few tense moments passed when Hermione finally said, "Thank you Harry."
"You're….you're welcome," said Harry quietly as if he was talking to Ginny. His gaze was still on her face.
As if Harry just wanted to convey Fred's status he then started to walk off, his green robes billowing.
"Oi….OI!" shouted George, Harry stopped in his tracks and turned his head slightly, "What happened to Ginny. How did she die?"
"We will discuss more important matters when Fred is up and walking. Dobby would you please take care of the guests. Inform Kreacher to do the same," said Harry and he walked off into the dark.
George was about to chase after him when Ron grabbed his arm, "It's no use. Let him go. He's right you know."
"He's become a total prat that's what he's become," said George, "Percy has never been so arrogant. Signing his letter's with "H.P.", like he's the only "H.P." in the entire world."
"Come on," said Hermione tugging at Ron's arm, "let's go see Fred…see how's he doing."
"You two go on ahead," said Ron, "I…I just want to spend some time with her. Alone."
George put her arm over Hermione's shoulder as they followed Dobby towards the hospital wing. Ron looked down onto his sister. She looked so young yet Harry looked so old compared to her. Questions began to flood into his mind as quickly as the tears in his eyes. He slumped onto the case and sobbed, tears dripping onto glass. The voices from the pensive quietly conversed in the Great Hall.
The next day was less than accommodating as blizzard roared outside of the castle. The valley of dragons was barely visible, but they imagined it wasn't much a bother to dragons themselves. Fred was feeling much better but still had to stay in bed. He had a problem with eating as well since the effects potion that Harry gave him kept the skin on the front of his body invisible hasn't worn off completely. He requested to wear a turtle neck for that period much to his discomfort since he hated turtlenecks.
When Ron finally came to visit him George said, "Hey Ron, check this out!"
He yanked up Fred's shirt showing his innards pulsing and pumping inside his body. Ron gave a disgusted look as Fred was telling his twin to knock it off.
"Come on Fred, show him that trick," said George in a command tone.
"No way!" said Fred, "It's cold enough as it is already. Plus it still hurts if I do it."
"Just this once," said George.
"Fine!" complained Fred.
Fred lifted up his shirt and shook his torso from side to side. His innards shook and bumped into each other, sloshing around like a water balloon. Fred winced in pain as Hermione looked worried. Ron smiled a bit as George roared with laughter. Possibly the first laughter in a long time in the castle.
They didn't discuss much after that. There was nothing more to discuss considering how little they learned since arriving. Harry had still not turned up since they last seen him. With the castle being an almost exact replica to Hogwarts, even that had less conversation compared to their journey here. Nobody wanted to reflect on what happened concerning that.
"If this storm doesn't let up, we'll never get out of here," said Fred looking out of the window.
They sat there contemplating their options. Would Harry help them out? They assumed he would, considering how he healed George, but the incident that occurred during it did not exactly open up talks. It did not help that Harry was nowhere to be found anywhere in the castle. Dobby didn't know either and when they asked Kreacher he gave a snide comment about mudbloods and blood traitors. Dark feelings came up as they began to expect the worst of Harry. They had more questions than answers now.
On the second day since they arrived Harry still hasn't been seen. They ate meals with Fred in the hospital wing while Dobby came popping in and out asking to serve their bidding. He cried a fit when they offered for him to join in eating together. Fred however was tired of being in bed. He didn't even know what time it was because the blizzard blocked out all sunlight. The torches were unlike Durmstrang; just static and dimly lit all the time. Most of all no one was in a mood to discuss any matter. He thought at this rate he'd never heal because he felt stuck in time.
"I want to see Ginny," he said.
"What? No," protested Hermione taken completely by surprise, "You're still recovering."
"I can walk Hermione," said Fred showing steely resolve, "I just need a bit of support. And…and I need to see her. Two days I've been here and I haven't seen her yet. What kinda brother does that?"
A small warm smile appeared on her face as George helped up his twin. Ron came up and supported him on the other side. Slowly the walked down stairs and corridors down into the Great Hall. Even the pensive didn't distract Fred from his task. When he was almost there he quickened his pace towards the glass case. He slumped over the case, his eyes looking down onto her. His breath fogged the glass as he spoke.
"She still looks so beautiful," he sobbed quietly with a forced smile.
George helped him off the case and after a few moments he started back.
"Ah!" yelled Fred as he fell down, dragging his brother down.
Hermione rushed over and looked at his leg. It was still a bit tender.
"Dobby!" she yelled out into the Great Hall.
A small crack later the small house elf appeared, bowed looking eager to help.
"Could you please help us get Fred back up to the hospital wing Dobby?" asked Hermione.
"Dobby will help you," he said with great big smile.
He snapped his fingers and a chair appeared. They helped him up into it as it then levitated into the air and followed Dobby as if being pulled by an invisible string.
"Are you coming Ron?" asked Hermione.
"No…you go on ahead. I'll…I'll just be here," he replied.
She looked on looking a bit worried but as George called out she turned around and headed towards the exit of the Great Hall.
Ron stood there looking at his sister under the glass. Moments passed as questions popped into his head again. The more he looked the more he wanted answers. He almost wished that Ginny would suddenly wake up telling him everything. His hands trembled at the thought of Harry doing something to her. An hour passed and by then Ron had sat down, feeling exhausted his back propped up against the case. He closed his eyes trying to remember happier times, but it seemed impossible to do so in such circumstances.
…I'm sorry…
Ron's eye shot open. No one was in the Great Hall. He looked up over his shoulder. Ginny was still there, not moving.
…Don't be…
That was Ginny's voice. Ron got up and looked at the glass. Ginny's face was still the same, that restful but sad looking face.
…You've made me so happy…
Ron heard it, but Ginny's mouth didn't move at all. It was clearly her voice. Something in his mind seemed to tug him backwards and he slowly turned around. He heard quiet sobbing. He walked forwards, bright light blinding him as his eyes tried to adjust. He looked over and there he saw Ginny formed by silver memory speaking from a bed. Someone was holding her hand, his body shaking with each sob.
Something in his gut was telling him to keep watching but it was more than that. He felt drawn into the light, like he belonged there. Before he knew it he was kneeling on the edge of the pensive sticking his face into the misty memory. Down and down he fell feeling his mind was dropping down through his head, torso and out of his feet. His feet hit the ground suddenly as he stood up with a jolt. He was in a room, from the looks of it a dormitory in Gryffindor Tower. Dobby was at Harry's side as he held a small bucket of steaming water. Harry dabbed a warm cloth on Ginny's forehead.
"I'm sorry Ginny. I wasn't strong enough. I wasn't strong enough to save you," Harry sobbed.
"Harry. Don't be sorry," said Ginny weakly, she brought her left hand up parting his hair to reveal his scar, "I was always a bit weak. Even when I was a child."
"No Ginny," Harry said, his voice growing more choked, "You can't leave. Not now. You are the only who understands me."
Ginny smiled as if it took ever ounce of her strength, "No Harry…I love you. I knew I had to be strong to be with you. And when…when…"
She coughed lightly. Harry came in closer dropping the towel on the floor.
"When you wanted to come up here," she continued, "my love for you gave me the strength to come along."
Harry smiled as tears fell into his beard. He removed his glasses letting Ginny see his eyes.
"But as the years passed Harry," she said even weaker, "I knew I had to be strong for the both of us. You have been handed such a burden Harry. And I had to help."
"But you are strong," he sobbed, "stronger than me! Just don't leave. I can't bear it."
"I'm sorry Harry," said Ginny sounding more distant, "I'm sorry I wasn't stronger. I will always love you Harry. I will always be with you in your heart. There are so many people that love you Harry. Don't give up on them."
"Ginny? Ginny no…."
Her eyes were closed as she whispered, "Ron….please….I'm sorry Ron."
"No…no…"
"Please Ron…tell everyone I love them. Tell them…I'm sorry. Tell them I wasn't strong enough."
Her hand relaxed falling off the side of the bed. Her head fell into her pillow as if she was sleeping.
"Ginny? GINNY? No…no no,"
"Harry Potter sir," said Dobby quietly.
Harry stood up, "No no no NO! NO!"
Harry ran out of the room. Ron looked in panic as he felt himself being dragged out of the door after Harry.
"No Harry!" Ron yelled "Get ba…get…Harry!"
He just saw his billowing robes running down the stairs. Ron looked backed seeing Dobby just barely Dobby holding Ginny's limp hand on the side of the bed just before they turned the corner. He struggled to run back, cursing, but it was like the floor was pulled out from under him. He heard Harry's feet echo in the dark corridor as he felt himself going away further and further from his sister. Suddenly there was a stop. Ron felt exhausted, as if he ran a marathon.
"We have to get back there," yelled Ron, "My sister's back there. Your wife is back there Harry! You coward! You filthy cowa…"
But Ron stopped in his yelling. He looked down seeing Harry slumped up against the corridor wall holding his knees to his chest. Tears streamed down his face as he openly cried great big sobs echoing off the stone. His once bright emerald green eyes looked dull almost clouded. He saw him toss his wand against the wall screaming something. Ron couldn't help but feel pity for Harry now. This was as close as to the Harry he once knew. He could feel his sadness throb in his ears with each choked sob. He almost felt like crouching down and cry with him. He walked out reaching out to pat his head consolingly when he felt something on his shoulder.
"Ron! What are you doing!" said Hermione in a worried voice, "I came back looking for you when you didn't show up and then I saw you in the pensive!"
Ron said nothing. Hermione looked down and gave a small gasp.
"Is that…Harry?" she whispered.
Ron just brought her in closer as she placed her head sadly on his shoulder. They shared this moment of grief. A moment where they never imagined they'd have to do, yet yearned to be a part of. A slight tremble shook them, throwing them slightly off balance.
"We have to leave Ron," said Hermione quietly, "I think we're nearing the end of the memory. It might be unstable and who knows what other memory we might end up in."
Ron nodded and followed Hermione out of the pensive. Up, up they flew, feeling as if they were ahead of their bodies by a few inches. Harry's sobs echoing down the corridor grew quieter and quieter. The hit the floor of the Great Hall. The cries barely a murmur now. Ron and Hermione looked down in the pensive as the memory of Harry melted into the silver mass. They stood there for a moment contemplating what they just saw. Their hearts feeling lower than ever before.
"Come on," said Ron, "Fred's waiting."
Their footsteps sounded quieter now in the Great Hall. As they exited through the doors they heard one last memory quietly speaking.
….Harry...yer a wizard…and a thumping good one I'd say…