Chapter Six
The Shadow Orb

Ginny awoke the next morning with her heart in her throat. She couldn't speak when Hermione asked her something that she couldn't quite hear, and she couldn't even dress herself without crying. She realized that if she messed up somehow, she could have herself and Harry killed, and neither of them would ever have the chance to see all these people at Number 12 Grimmauld Place ever again. The evening before, Ginny had managed to forget the next day, and she was very glad that all those people came to wish her luck. (They didn't have to get her presents either.)

From Hermione, Ginny received a beautiful charm bracelet with little quaffles, bludgers, and snitches dangling from it.

Ron had given her a large box of her favorite sweets, complete with Chocolate Frogs, Sugar Quills, and Squeaking Mice.

Fred and George awarded her with a complimentary box of the new and improved Weasley's Wildfire Whiz-bangs.

Besides that she received a Sneakoscope, a sack of Dungbombs, assorted sweets and treats, and a Broomstick Service Kit. (She couldn't deny that her ancient broom needed it.)

In all the excitement, she had almost forgotten the slim package on the table.

"Oh! Ginny dear, I almost forgot! Your father and I bought this for you…" Mrs. Weasley handed her the package from the table, and Ginny's heart leapt. She knew what was under the wrapping, but she couldn't imagine how her parents afforded it. Despite that, she couldn't believe her eyes when she revealed the new Nimbus Two Thousand and Two from under the brown packaging.

"Do you like it, dear?" Mr. Weasley asked his open-mouthed daughter.

"I-I-I- I don't know what to say! How could you- how did you- why- thanks! Thank you, all of you! I really appreciate what you've done for me, and I wish I could start using these gifts sooner. Now, I'm going to go to bed, because I have to get up early. Thank you all again!" Ginny replied.

She forced herself not to think of the possibility that she would never be able to use those gifts downstairs as she climbed into bed and silent tears rolled down her cheeks. She was still awake when Hermione came in a short while later, but she remained still and quiet in her bed to avoid answering any questions.

"Ginny, um, if you're listening, I just wanted to tell you that the charm bracelet I gave you isn't an ordinary bracelet. I have the same one. If we wear them all the time we'll be able to communicate with each other. You just twist the snitch and start talking, and I'll be able to hear you and talk back. Um, I think you're really brave Ginny: if it had been me I think I would cry if anyone approached me. Um, good night, then," Hermione said, as if she knew that Ginny was awake.

Ginny had a nice, dreamless sleep that night, but that morning was different story. She woke up to an owl dropping something on her face. She didn't recognize the owl, so she opened the letter with caution.

"Miss Weasley,
As my gift was not ready for you last night, I have left it down in the drawing room by the desk, as I had to leave on important Ministry business. Good luck on your journey, and tell Harry I said 'Hello'.
All the best,
Viktor Krum
Minister of Magic"

Curious, though she was, to see what the present was, she didn't want to go downstairs and see everyone again for what might be her last time. Without glancing at the time, she got up and made her bed. Hermione said something to her, but Ginny couldn't understand her, and then Hermione rolled over and went back to sleep. Ginny dressed herself with great trouble, for she needed to stop every few seconds to wipe away her tears. Eventually she was packed, dressed, and ready to leave. She levitated her trunk in the air and proceeded down the steps. (Dumbledore had given her and the other underage D.A. members special permission to use magic outside of school last summer.) She was thinking the whole time she went downstairs. Half of her wanted to see everyone standing in the hall, bidding her farewell, but the other half wished that no one was there because she didn't know if she could hold back the tears.

No one was in the hall or the drawing room, so she put her trunk down by the door, and went into the kitchen to grab something to eat before she left. She made some eggs and bacon, but she wasn't able to finish eating on account of her nervousness. She cleaned her plate and put it back into the china closet. She looked around her carefully.

"This could be my last time here. I may never be able to return and see my family and friends again, and all the money those people spent on me would have went to waste…That reminds me, I should go into the drawing room and see what other gift I've received that I may never be able to use." Ginny said to herself, rather pessimistically.

She moved slowly from the kitchen to the drawing room, thinking how strange it was that no one was down here yet. When she picked up the magnificently wrapped package from beside the desk, she couldn't help but think how unfair it was that Harry hadn't received any presents. After all, he was the one who would be dueling Voldemort; she only needed to help Harry by creating a diversion or something right?

"I'm afraid that's not right, Ginevra," said Dumbledore in a clear, silky voice sent chills up and down Ginny's spine. Ginny spun around and saw Dumbledore standing in the doorway with a serious look on his face, and wearing a long purple dressing gown.

"Professor! What are you doing here?" asked a startled Ginny.

"Well, I was looking for you. Hermione informed me that you got out of your bed at two o'clock this morning."

Ginny looked ashamed at first, but realized there was nothing for her to be ashamed of. "I received a letter, but I hadn't realized it was two o'clock, or I would have went back to sleep. I'm sorry, I thought it was much later."

"That's quite alright! I wasn't able to sleep well myself, Ginny. Are you going to open that, or is it a device used for warming hands?" Dumbledore asked with a quizzical look on his face. Ginny believed that he wasn't being sarcastic.

Ginny slowly tore off the paper. When she had finished, she was holding a silvery sphere that reminded her of a Remembrall crossed with a Muggle 'snow globe' her father collected. For a moment, Ginny just stared at it as if expecting something to pop out of it. Finally, she decided to ask if Dumbledore knew what it was.

"Erm, Professor? Do you have any idea…?"

"Goodness! Ginny, that is a very special, rare object. But no doubt the Minister felt safe giving it to you," Dumbledore answered, but further explained after noticing the still-puzzled look on Ginny's face. "That, well, that in your hand is a Shadow Orb. It is a mysterious, yet helpful magical object that is much like the Room of Requirement in Hogwarts. You simply need to hold it in your hand and think deeply about what you need. It is often used for evil purposes, which is why there aren't many of them left, but Minister Krum obviously trusts you with this as a responsibility, and he probably felt it was a necessity for your journey. I would treasure that, if I were you Miss Weasley. Well, it looks like everyone is awake now, so I guess you will not be departing for a little while," Dumbledore finished, with a nod towards the stairs, which various people were descending.

"Professor, wait! When you first came in, you said that I wasn't right. What did you mean?" Ginny asked quickly, because she didn't want anyone else to hear.

"Ah, that. Well, Ginny, you thought that all you had to do was create a diversion so Harry could duel Voldemort. But, that is not correct. I can't tell you exactly what your mission is, but you will find that out on your own soon enough, and I have no doubts that Harry will use that to his advantage. I must be leaving now. Professor McGonagall is waiting for me at Hogwarts for a meeting. Just remember not to leave until I return, because the Minister requested a meeting with the both of us this morning. I cannot believe that next year, you will be the only Weasley at Hogwarts! Well, all good things must have an end. Good luck, Ginevra," and he swiftly strode out of the room and up the stairs, leaving Ginny with a newfound sense of responsibility, but also a new sense of confusion.