"What do you mean?" Ginny looked at him as if he were crazy. "I let you walk out of my life one time before, and it did neither of us any good. Why are you doing this now, of all times?"
"If they find you, it will kill me. Who have you told Ginny?" Harry grabbed her arm and pulled her close, eyes desperate.
"What? What are you getting-?"
"Who did you tell?" He asked again, and she sighed and yanked her arm out of his grasp.
"No one. I thought we should talk about it first. I'm keeping it, even if you don't want me to." Ginny pulled a lock of hair out of her face and looked over the lake. "Please don't send me away."
"I have to. We're going to get you to Hogsmeade, and then you can get to London from there." Harry started walking back towards the castle. "I can't have anything happen to you."
"Well, if you can smuggle me out, then you can get everyone else out, right? It's not fair for me to get out of danger, but everyone else has to stay and die." He whirled around at her statement and glared at her.
"You're different. You're carrying my child aren't you?" Ginny looked back at him evenly.
"Since the last night you stayed at the Burrow. But Harry-"
"But nothing. You're leaving, and that's final. They haven't made it here yet, and I won't risk anything. We really shouldn't be out here."
"I wanted to come out here. They've cut off the Floo; they've made sure we're trapped. I can't stand to feel trapped. I don't care if there are bloody Death Eaters in the trees. They can go hang for all I care. I just wanted to say goodbye to you alone. To say I'm very glad you came to visit me while you, Ron and Hermione were coming through this way. That I'm glad I had a chance to tell you about your son."
"I just want you to go have that test as soon as possible. I want you to know for sure." Harry looked down at the ground, not letting himself feel the happiness he figured he should feel. Mostly he was scared to death.
"Well, a girl knows her own body. I've gained some weight, and I'm eating up a storm, and I'm sick in the morning. It doesn't take a genius, but I will have a pregnancy spell performed as soon as I get home. Besides, I'm the first Weasley daughter in seven generations; it has to be a boy, alright?" Ginny smiled and Harry found himself smiling back.
"Alright." He conceded, raising his arms in defeat. "Now will you come back to the castle?"
"No. I want some air. I can't stand the panic; it puts my nerves on edge. You're going to sit out here with me for at least another ten minutes." She looked over his shoulder at someone walking towards them.
"Sorry to disturb you, but Harry, if I could have a word?" Hermione asked apologetically. Ginny waved him away.
"I'll be over here, I'll be fine." Harry smiled uneasily and turned to jog the last meter to meet Hermione.
"What's going on Hermione?" He asked, and she sighed.
"I wanted to leave you alone, but since I don't speak Parseltongue, and you are planning on taking Ginny to Hogsmeade in a moment, could you possibly open the Chamber of Secrets? That's the safest place for the students. It was Ron's idea."
"Wow, that's brilliant. Sure, let me get Ginny." Harry turned, and gasped. His wand was drawn before he realized he was running. A skull mask emerged from the forest, and as the black robe separated itself from the darkness, wand out. "GINNY!" He screamed, and she looked up at him in confusion, already beginning to move towards him. The world lost sound as a burst of light from the Death Eater's wand hit Ginny in the back.
She looked surprised as she went down to her knees, and the Death Eater reached her before he did. He jerked her up again to her feet and dug his wand into her back, causing Ginny to cry out. "Don't move Potter, or it will be more than a stun."
"What do you want? Take me instead, but let her go!" Harry bellowed, wand leveled at the sneering mask. Hermione stopped a pace behind him, wand also drawn.
"You don't tell me what to do. Maybe I don't want you. Or maybe I do, but it's not your place to tell me how we'll trade. How about this. How about I kill her, and I kill you, and your little mudblood friend, and then we'll call it a day? How does that sound?"
"You can bloody well go to hell. How about that?" Harry focused his rage to a fine point, and felt his magic react accordingly.
"Well," The Death Eater said mockingly, "How about that… Just as stupid as the tales say you are. I hope you know this is your entire fault." Not a word, not a change in the air, or a change in anything… just the gaping wound in Ginny's chest, staining her yellow shirt with blood.
> > > > >
Luna looked around the room with a slight frown on her face. "What's wrong dear?" Wolfric asked as he passed her a goblet of punch. She shrugged and looked around again.
"I'm looking for Harry, but I haven't seen him. I'll ask Hermione if she knows where he is. She always knows. He owes me a dance that I want to get before we leave."
"Well, Hermione is over there with the Swiss Minister of Magic. She said she wouldn't know what to do with a man of my profession. I informed her I could come to Switzerland to begin training immediately. Minister Verena said she'd have someone from her office to get back with me. I'm coming up in the world."
"I know you are dear. I'll be back." Luna smiled and walked towards the two women. "Hermione, do you have a moment? If you'll excuse her briefly Madam Minister?"
"Of course not. I'm just chatting as you British would call it. I have to go back to my hotel now, but I wanted to tell Angelina goodbye. It should be some time before I return toyour country."
"I don't know where she's gone, but I'm sure that she and Harry are together." Hermione speculated, glancing around the room.
"Then I don't want to disturb them. I'll tell her parents to say goodbye for me. It's been a pleasure meeting you Lady Weasley, and I will try very hard not to make an offer for you to work for me." She smiled and patted Hermione on the shoulder.
"I appreciate the offer Madam Minister, but England has a lot of problems that could use my help. I'm willing to try."
"I'm sure you'll do fine, just keep Rufus in order, and if you need help in that area, drop me an owl." Carmi winked again. "And where has that old fool gone?"
"Home ma'am. Still smarting from the little talk you had." Hermione held back a laugh. "And I'll make sure he remembers it."
"Good girl. Good night ladies, and enjoy the rest of the evening." Carmi Verena bowed out and Luna gave a slight wave before turning to Hermione.
"She was very nice."
"Extremely. What's wrong?" Luna shrugged.
"I'm just looking for Harry actually. He owes me a dance is all."
"Ah. Well, I'm sure he'll honor it. Last time I saw him he was going out onto the balcony with two drinks. I'm sure he's still out there, because he hasn't come past me."
"Well, I'll leave him be for now. I'm not leaving for another hour. I've gotten all my work out of the way except the giving out of the awards, so I'm going to go enjoy myself." Luna moved slightly to the music. "Why aren't you out there?"
"Because I have a slight headache, and I just want to watch other people dance. I'll probably come out there later on. Maybe."
"Alright then, I'll find you later." Luna started to walk off before Hermione grabbed her wrist.
"I'm sorry Luna… but how are you doing?" She asked; a concerned look on her face.
"How am I doing? I'm fine." The blond shrugged vaguely. "Better than to be expected to tell you the truth. I'll get through it."
"I know we haven't been really close, but I'm here for you… you know, if you want to talk." Hermione let her go reluctantly, wondering if she really heard her. Luna smiled slightly and stepped backwards.
"I understand. Thank you Hermione, but I think I can work through this on my own. If Wolfric can't help me, I'll be glad to enlist someone else. Thank you." Before Hermione could respond, Luna disappeared into the jovial crowd, making her realize she wasn't really in the partying mood.
> > > > >
"Let her go." The words forced themselves on the air, and Harry raised his wand, robbed of all emotion except one. Dread. Not again…
"Why would I do something like that? She's precious to me because she's precious to you. I've been watching you for some time, even though you've been looking for me." The senile little cackle made Harry's hair stand on end. "That means you're not as good as you think, and definitely not as good as him."
"Why are you talking? Kill him!" Angelina swallowed roughly as the razor sharp nails dug into her neck, forcing her to continue looking at the sky.
"He wouldn't dare do that… because I refuse to give him a clean shot, and he won't kill you. Oh no… not you. You keep the demons away, the evil at bay. Isn't that right Potter? You've deluded yourself into thinking you can stop it. You forget, I was there. I saw you, and what you did, and the look of extreme joy on your face. You don't forget a person's battle mask. Never."
"I don't know what you're talking about. You have me confused with Voldermort." Harry kept his stance, but almost screamed in fury as a bloody hand came from around Angelina to wag a finger at him playfully.
"Oh no… never confused the two. You smell different. You think you're not a slave to your magic, while he worshiped his. Worshiped his own power, and it was great… but not as great as yours, because you never relied on it as he did. You never pushed the limits, tested your will against the will of nature. You're a waste. Weak. But never as weak as he was, caught up in ego and underestimated his enemies. But you don't underestimate me do you?"
"Kill him!" Angelina yelled hoarsely, feet kicking the air uselessly. Harry moved over to the left, but he was presented with her prone from yet again. Not a single clear shot.
"Yes Potter… kill us. That's something I want to see. But you don't have it in you."
"Just because I refuse to kill innocent people doesn't mean that I'm weak. And you doing so doesn't mean you're strong. But you wouldn't know anything about that, now would you?"
"You know what; I haven't given it much thought. I enjoy what I do too much for it to bother me, and as for a conscience, I killed it along time ago." Angelina convulsed and screamed, and began to choke. A trickle of blood streamed from between her lips, and Harry took another step forward. "Not so fast Potter. Come closer and I'll do more than take a nibble… I must admit, I know why you like her. She tastes delicious."
> > > > >
Ron turned around to see his wife with a frightened look on her face. "What's wrong love?" He asked, taking her hand in concern. She took a deep breath.
"It's Harry. I think he's in trouble." He frowned and blinked.
"What? With who? Whitman? I think that's taken care of."
"No, I don't know what's going on or really what I mean… I just don't know why I feel so strongly about this, but I think he's in trouble."
"Now Hermione-"
"Don't you dare. All we've been through, you better not trivialize my feelings now that I'm pregnant. If I weren't I would go and look for him myself." She hissed, yanking her hand out of his with a glare.
"Fine. What do you want me to do? He's probably enjoying himself, like I seem to remember you asking to do the same." He said pointedly, taking her shoulders gently. "I want you to take a breather, okay?"
"No Ron. Find Harry, then I can take it easy. I can relax when I know he's safe." Hermione pulled herself out of his grip. "Please don't do this. Just check on him."
"Fine. I'll scour the ballroom. This place is huge enough that he probably passed by you without your noticing. If I don't see him in here, then I'll look on the grounds. Happy?"
"Very." She rubbed her shoulders slightly as Ron walked away from her, and she turned back and looked at the windows.
> >
"How did you manage to drag him out of the shop?" Luna smiled as Alicia kissed George on the temple.
"It was harder than you think, but he finally saw the light." She quipped, while her husband looked slightly sour.
"Yes, too bad it came at the end of one of my own products. She slammed a Battering Hat on my head… and wouldn't take it off until I was finished dressing. Lousy git." He glared at her playfully.
"Yet you still married me."
"I had to, you were pregnant." Wolfric laughed and shook his head.
"It amazes me the relationship you have with each other. It's so… interesting."
"Not as interesting as that getup you're wearing mate. Nice play on lavender and… is… that… pink?" George asked hesitantly. Wolfric shook his head.
"It's more so coral than anything. Isn't it nice?" Luna patted his tie affectionately. "Not too many men are secure enough to try new things with color." Alicia closed her mouth to make sure she wouldn't say anything, and she elbowed George in the ribs discreetly so he would remember to do the same.
"Ah… right. So, are they ready?" George said in a strained voice, keeping his eyes on Wolfric's face instead of his robes.
"In two days you'll be a proud owner of two of Wolfric Rhodes World Renowned Flamingo Dance Troupes." His chest swelled with pride. "Guaranteed to be a conversation starter at any function, wither it be business or pleasure."
"I believe that is too true." George stifled a laugh, rubbing his hands with glee at the thought of his new purchase, which he knew for a fact drove his wife crazy. Ah… absolutely fabulous. His euphoria was cut short as he caught a familiar redhead dart in between two people, eyes intently scanning the room. "What's Ron doing?"
"I don't know. So when should I expect payment?" George frowned as his eyes followed Ron to Hermione, where they spoke briefly. Hermione didn't look pleased at all, and his brother was looking kind of serious as well.
"Er… you can expect it in the post on the same day. If you'll excuse me." He walked towards his brother and sister-in-law, and felt Luna behind him. "What are you doing?"
"I'm coming with you. I can tell when there is something wrong as well." She said, pulling her wand out of the bodice of her dress. George looked over at her with an eyebrow raised and produced his own wand out of the holster on his forearm, the shaft of wood sliding into his palm.
Hermione let Ron go with a desperate look on her face, furthermore when she turned to see them approach; she had her own wand in her hand. "What's wrong?" Luna asked, taking her hand and glancing around the room.
"I don't know, but I think Harry's in danger. I can feel it." George looked at her for a split second and decided to believe her. The three of them had a bond that went beyond just friendship. If Hermione felt something was wrong, that meant that there was.
"Okay, where has my brother gone off to?" He asked, watching her break out into a sweat. "Are you sure you're okay? Maybe it's the hormones-" The wand shaft he was looking down told him otherwise. "Or perhaps not."
"Don't you dare George Weasley. I might be pregnant, but I have more battle experience than anyone else in the room. Something is wrong, and Ron agrees. He's gone to look for Harry out on the balcony."
"You said he went out with two drinks right? One for him and one for Angelina?" Luna took a step towards the large windows and took a deep breath. "Something must be afoot, because the glasses are on the ledge, and they're untouched."
"That could mean anythi- Luna where are you going?" George demanded, watching the full skirt of her lavender gown rustle as she advanced towards the balcony. "You shouldn't go out there alone!" He looked at Hermione, who looked back at him with a shrug.
"I promised I wouldn't go out there until Ron came returned." George nodded once and jogged after the witch, trying to keep sight of her bouncing curls as she darted out onto the lawn.
> > > > >
Ron peered into the scant light and stifled a gasp. He knew that profile from anywhere. Inching forward, he shivered slightly as the man laughed… no, not man…animal. He chose his path. His clothes were filthy and matted together as if they were really an afterthought. He had not changed since Ron had run into him last, but as he rounded the last house, he realized what Grayback was holding so awkwardly.
The moonlight displayed the scene for all its cruelty. Angelina was unconscious, held suspended by her neck. The back of her gown was a bloody, shredded mess, and to Ron's horror, Fenrir's hand was waded into the bloody disarray. Raising his wand, he focused and one spell came to mind.
>
Harry was out of options, and after Angelina passed out he knew he didn't have much time. Something was keeping Greyback interested, something was keeping him talking. If he didn't want something, he would have left her body for him to find. "What do you want?"
"Desperation, eh Potter? Maybe I wanted to know what I was dealing with. Maybe I wanted to see what type of man you had become." He grinned evilly, letting his hand fall to his side. "You know, I think I know what you're thinking. You're waiting for the moment that my arm tires of holding this piece of meat in front of me… that before I take that breath afterwards I would see the green light of the killing curse. But you know, I do believe my arm has held heavier things for longer." Before Harry could respond Fenrir staggered and screamed, turning around wildly.
His body was spurting blood as he screamed yet again, inhumanly dragging Angelina in the snow. Harry looked up at the emerging figure, and Ron raised his hand, not once letting his eyes off of Fenrir as he whimpered. "You're not so big and bad now, are you? When you're not hurting defenseless women, ARE YOU?" He bellowed and kicked the werewolf in the wound that was still hemorrhaging.
> >
Luna rounded the corner and squealed as she skidded into a snowdrift. George reached her side a second later, and he pulled her up out of the snow. "Careful there, we can't help Harry if you've broken you're ankle."
"I'm the perfect person to do so, considering I can perform the repair spell on myself wandless. Did you see where Ronald went?" She pulled her soaked curls down and twisted her hair up into a tight bun. "I lost sight of him."
"I lost sight of you for a second, so I think we should take it slowly and quietly from here. A little further down is a set of houses, and you can't see around about very well. It's a perfect place for a trap, or an ambush." He said, eyes scanning the area continuously.
"You're right, how stupid of me, barreling in. I have a problem with that. Let's go." She resolutely hiked up her skirt and continued down the path. She ran around the houses just in time to hear a crash and a figure leap into the air with a strangled scream, gushing blood. Luna was running before she even realized.
> >
His breath was hot and terrible, suffocating the skin of his face with its acrid stench. Harry's neck was wet with blood from where the man/animal had tried to rip out his throat. His limbs were feeling sluggish and his mind wasn't reacting correctly.
His mind awoke, and a quiet voice regarded the predicament. 'Something is amiss. You're not reacting as you should.' Harry's arms fell to the side, and Fenrir smiled down at him with bloody teeth and lips.
"I was told to knock you down a peg or two… or ten… but I do believe I'll kill you-" He paused as he looked into Harry's eyes. It was wearing off. Before he could do something, it began to rain bricks.
> >
George gasped as the figure raised himself up to gloat. The moon told him what it needed… the werewolf. Bits of the houses on either side of whomever he was crouched over started slamming into the man, and Luna screamed as a jagged chunk of each house tore itself away and collided with each other in the middle, enveloping the raving lunatic.
Luna gasped again as Greyback scrabbled out of the rubble and loped into the forest, howling. Without a thought she started to go after him, but George called her back. "Don't! It's dangerous, and we don't know why he wasn't transformed and it's a full moon. The forest isn't the place to find that out." He pointed his wand at the rubble blocking the road, and rolled it away, revealing a prone form.
"Oh Merlin… it's Harry?" She breathed, running to kneel beside him. "We have to get him to Mungos right away. We might be able to do something about… about…"
Ron stood up abruptly, covered in blood. "Help!" He screamed hoarsely, wiping the red out of his eyes. "She's been hurt bad. The bastard was playing with her like she was a toy, and she won't wake up!" George caught him before he stumbled to his knees.
"Luna!"
"Hold on!"
"Luna, get over here! This is more important!" Ron bellowed, staggering to his feet. "She's dying!"
> > > > >
"Any instructions?"
"No press. The approved visit list is at the front desk."
"Are the two Aurors at the door really necessary?"
"You do know who she is right? And who he is?"
"…You're right. But she's not going to make the night."
"Who made you the judge of such things? I've saved people in worse shape, why can't I do the same for people who know me?"
"I'm not saying… I'm just stating from a medical fact…. She's not responding to the potions. Not a single charm. What would you say to the family of a person who was beyond your reach? Even you are not able to save everyone."
"I will save her, for him. It's the least I can do."
"…Do you at least want to change? I have a spare robe here, if you're interested."
Luna looked down at her ruined gown and fought back a scream. The night started with such high hopes… "No, I'm fine. Please understand, if there is any change, any change at all-"
"I'll floo you. I promise."
"Thank you Anne. I… I have to get out of here for a while. Floo or no, I'll be back in three hours." The brown haired witch watched her slip out of the room silently. Turning back to the chart at the base of the bed, she read it over again.
Name: Angelina Johnson-Weasley
Height: 5 foot 9
Weight: 65 kilos
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Dark Brown
Condition: Red
Notes: Unable to breathe on her own, expected not to survive the night.
Preview of Somewhat Found:
"And yet you don't want me angry?" Lupin sighed and shook his head.
"I'm not saying that at all Harry. I'm just saying that with the current climate perhaps-"
"You sound like a politician. Don't you care what happened to her? To me?" Harry looked at the bedroom door briefly, before leaning in closer. "You are very important to me, so I will forgive you for thinking I shouldn't be upset by this, but do know that I now think very differently of you." Remus gazed back at Harry with slight sadness.