CHAPTER ONE

'With a final curse, the battle was ended. The battle, but not the war. The war would rage on for a long time to come, she knew. Her gaze rested on her brother, who lay dead on the ground, among so many others. But she couldn't think of him now. She had to strain her eyes to look for another. Her love was still out there. Yes, she could see him now. In deatheater robes that made him look as he shouldn't, made him look like the enemy.

But she didn't care for the sight of his robes, only cared for the sight of his still beautiful face. She felt such relief as those silver eyes sought out her own. Of course, she shouldn't have been worried. He was a friend to both sides; no-one would dare try to harm him.

As he finally reached her, she let out a sob and flung herself into him. She felt a bump on the inside of his robes. He opened them up, to show her the body of another friend, this one still alive.

And he backed away now, slowly as he could, whispering words to her. Before he turned and walked through the open door, slamming it shut behind him…'

The walls reverberated with the force of it. Ginny Weasley opened her eyes, remembering the dream she just had. The last slam of the door had sounded so real, it was still ringing in her ears. She shook her head, auburn red hair flinging around. As she did so she heard it again. The sound of a door being wrenched open, then slammed shut again. Looking to the empty spot next to her, she knew it wouldn't be Hermione. Hermione would never treat any part of her home with such disrespect. And besides, Hermione had left for work two hours ago.

Ginny quietly slipped herself out of the bed, and grabbed her wand from the bedside table, thanking the heavens that Hermione hadn't let her destroy it along with the rest of her stuff, five years ago. Just as quietly as she'd slid out of the bed, Ginny slid herself under the bed, peeking out from under the overhanging blankets, straining her ears towards any more sounds.

And just then she heard it, the unmistakable sound of a voice. Not Hermione's voice, but a male voice. And not a muffled voice trying to stay undetected. This voice wanted to be heard.

The voice gave out orders in a very familiar tone. "Look in EVERY room. She shall not be permitted to escape. You let her go, and it's your head that'll be gone next. Don't worry about her mudblood girlfriend, I checked her ministry timetable, she's at work. NOW FIND HER!"

Boots crunched into the room. Ginny held her breath, praying they wouldn't hear the thudding of her heart. She knew she should apparate, but she hadn't in nearly five years, because she had sworn off magic. She doubted she'd even be able to apparate, and if she did she might splinch. So she waited with baited breath as a pair of dragon hide, steel-capped boots walked right by her hiding spot.

Ginny poked her head out a bit, looking for her chance to escape. The regal looking man in her room turned his head away from the bed to inspect something in her closet. Now was her chance. Her inner-self was screaming at her, 'Go, just go! Get out of here and find Hermione, now!' She hesitated a moment, before propelling herself out from under the bed. Her hands and feet pushed her towards the door but she just wasn't quick enough. Her moment of hesitation was all that the stranger needed. He launched himself at her, bringing her to the ground in one easy move…