CHAPTER 12 – BEGINNING OF AN ENDING

The door flung open. Ginny hurriedly twisted her head to see if it was Harry but instead, she saw 2 other people.

'Ginny,' Remus greeted, giving a slight nod.

'Who are you?' She whispered, her tone hinting that she was afraid.

The other snapped his fingers and a house elf, called Binky appeared.

'Your services are not required, Binky. We'll take over from here.'

'Yes sirs. Binky will be going back now.' A pop and the house elf disappeared.

'What's going on? Where's Harry?' Ginny asked in a timid voice. Anyone would feel scared especially when you are tied up in a room without a wand and two men just came in.

'Ginny,' Remus stepped further into the room and went to her, 'Don't worry, it's me, Remus.'

'Professor Lupin?'

'Not so much about Professor actually,' he finished bitterly.

'Where's Harry?'

'Don't worry about anything now, Ginny. Everything will be answered in a while,' Sirius said.

'Who are you?' She asked even though she found the voice oddly familiar.

'I'm Sirius, Harry's godfather.'

'But-'

'Don't worry Ginny,' he reassured her for the third time, 'Just let us undo these,' He lifted the bonds and it disappeared, so did those on her ankles, 'There… better?'

'Yes…' She responded, 'Thank you.'

'Come, we will explain to you everything once we are in the healing wing,' he held her arm and gently guide her to the healing wing.

The door opened and Ginny timidly step in, with Remus behind her. She felt all eyes were on her as if she did something wrong. She was like a small child, afraid to enter an unknown room.

'It's okay,' Remus said softly, 'They won't hurt you.'

'Here, have a seat,' James conjured a chair and pushed it to her.

'Would you like anything to drink, Ginny?' Bell asked.

Feeling very nervous and scared, she turned down the offer. However, a warm cup of coffee was pushed into her hands.

'Thank you,' she said to James. She stared down at her coffee, daring not to look at them, her hands shivered at the coldness of the room. The 7 of them glanced uneasily at each other. This was going to be a long night.

Lily reached forward and felt Ginny's fingers. She gave a slight twitch but did not remove it. 'Are you cold?' she asked gently, kneeling beside her.

Ginny shook her head in silence, her fingers gripping tightly around the cup, desperate for its warmth.

'Look at you, you're freezing cold,' Lily said, standing up and slightly tugging her wrists. Ginny winced and the cup slipped through her fingers and fell to the floor. She let out a loud gasp and held her wrist tighter. She rushed forward to try to clean the mess before she gets punished for it but James was faster.

'Don't worry about it. You're freezing cold. Lily and Bell would get you some warm clothes and dress your wound.'

'Yes, come Ginny,' Lily held her back and guide her to their room. Bell followed behind Ginny, beside Lily.

Ginny winced as Lily dressed her wound. There were bruises on her wrists and ankles and a few small cuts on her wrists where she struggled against her bonds.

'Sorry,' Lily said quickly. She gently dab the purple liquid on the wounds.

'It's ok,' Ginny finally spoke.

Lily gave her a warm smile when Bell took out a nice t-shirt for her to wear and a new adidas jacket.

'Sorry about the clothes,' Bell smiled.

'It's alright,' Ginny responded. She saw the brand adidas and she asked, 'What's "adidas"?'

'Oh… it's a muggle brand for shoes, clothes, sports actually.'

Ginny nodded.

'There we go… is it better now?' Lily asked.

Ginny shook her head, 'Yes… Thank you.

'Would you like anything to drink?' Bell asked again.

'I'm sorry but, why are you being nice to me?' Ginny blurted out.

'Well, partly because if we don't, Harry will kill us, even though some of us are already dead,' Bell answered, clearly envious that Lily was already dead.

'And also, because he entrusted you to us. We have to guard you with our lives,' Lily emphasis on the word while Bell merely rolled her eyes, 'until Harry returns.'

'Return?' Didn't he come back with you?'

'I think its best that we head back. Everything will be explained clearly there,' Lily said.

Ginny nodded and stood up, heading back to the healing room.

Ginny entered again and sat in her chair.

'You feeling better now, Ginny?' Luc asked.

'Yes, thank you.'

'Here you go another cup of coffee. Just don't let it slip again,' James ended cheekily.

'Sorry,' Ginny muttered.

Lily elbowed him in the ribs for such a tactless remark.

'Ouch! I know we are both dead but it still hurts, Lily!' James howled. Ginny couldn't help but grin at his comment. However, her smile quickly fade away as it appeared. Lily knew that something was bothering her.

'What is wrong, Ginny? You do not have to be afraid. We are here to protect you not harm you,' Lily lifted Ginny's chin.

'I- I don't know why you are all being so nice to me.'

'Oh… that…' Severus said.

'Yes… that… I think we should get Merlin to explain to her. It would be clearer and maybe a lot faster,' Sirius said, grinning. He and James wanted to go and spy on the Order, and to create more havoc wherever possible.

Merlin appeared and explained to Ginny everything she needed to know, including Harry's destiny.

'So, he was right all this while? And Dumbledore was the one behind the war going on?' Ginny asked in a soft voice. She still found it hard to believe that the 'Great" Dumbledore she has always looked up to was the master mind behind all these.

Ginny slowly walked up to Harry's limp body. It still bore his blood but the wound, the place where Dumbledore had stabbed him. It was healing... by itself. Ginny looked to Merlin for an explanation, who merely chuckled softly.

'My dear, it was your love for him that kept him alive and since he is immortal, Harry is now healing by himself.'

'But I don't love him,' Ginny protested, though deep down knowing that she was indeed wrong.

'You don't love him, you say?' Merlin said, 'if that is your say, then may I ask why are you so concern about him?' Ginny kept quiet and he took it as a sign to continue, 'You do love him. It is not a shame to love someone, even someone like Harry. He's a good man, deep within.'

'I don't know what I trust or who I trust anymore…' Ginny whispered, close to tears, 'all of you are telling a different side of a story…'

'Search deep within your heart to find the answer.'

'He raped me! He bloody hell raped me!' Ginny burst into tears, unable to hold them back any longer, 'How do you expect me or anyone to just forgive a person of such crime!' She ran out of the room, and headed back to her room.

'It can't be…' Remus shook his head, 'I refuse to believe it!'

'Is it true?' Lily asked Severus since they knew Harry best before their arrival.

'I…' Severus tried to look away but Lily asked him again with a dangerous tone in her voice. Severus looked to Lucius for help.

'You mean you knew about it? And never did anything to stop it?' Remus raised his voice.

'Look… we're really sorry,' Luc offered, 'but you had to understand… it was just after Voldemort's death and Harry was angry at Dumbledore.'

'Lily, Remus,' Sirius said, 'I know how you feel. I'm as shocked as you are but I believe Harry has changed, for the better. I believe that he really regretted hurting Ginny.'

'Lily, he's changed,' James finally spoke. He was the one who always manages to talk some sense into her.

'So what if he has?' Lily screamed, 'I will not have my son do away with such crime.'

'Lily!' James grabbed her wrist, 'Listen to me! Even though he isn't my son, I believe that Harry has changed, and it is for the better. What Harry has gone through is enough punishment for him. Since he let go of Ginny's trust in him, he has to earn it back himself. Moreover, he has a destiny to fulfill, one that has almost taken his life away. Harry is now facing a dangerous destiny which puts him against the world. If we abandon him now, you will not have a chance to look back and regret because he will die. Would you let your only son die because he made a wrong turn?' James paused before continuing, 'I know I didn't abandon you when I found out you were pregnant with Voldemort's son. It is not what wrong he did, it is how he corrects the wrong and return to the right path.'

'I'm so sorry, James. I didn't know…' Lily began to cry but James pulled her closer.

'It's alright, Lily. I just hope that I can be a good father to Harry and a good husband to you.'

Sirius and Remus pointed to the door and left with Sev, Bella and Luc once James got the message.

'We need to protect her,' Remus started once they were in the meeting room, 'and I suggest all of us do the job, until Harry wakes at least. Now that he is unconscious, there will be more frequent attacks on suspected death eaters. Dumbledore might try to find us and he will succeed if we do not strengthen the wards.'

'Yes,' Luc said, 'I agree with Remus. The wards can be strengthen tomorrow with the founder's help and each of us are able to take turns to guard Ginny.'

'I'll take the first shift,' Sirius immediately volunteered, 'I'm getting bored anyway.'

'Alright, and after that I can take over Padfoot after lunch,' Remus said.

'I'll do from midnight onwards,' Luc offered.

'I'll take over from Lucius,' Sev said, 'I need to get some rest first.

'We all need some rest,' Bell said as some of them tried to stiff a yawn.

Everyday, Lily would spend most of her free time beside Harry, talking to him and informing him on the Order's move, hoping that he would wake as soon as possible. She would inform him of any news or the results of any attacks from Dumbledore. Most attacks targeted any suspecting death eaters. Many were captured and sent to Azkaban but some managed to break out and in addition, Lucius and the rest often led in rescue missions in and out of Azkaban. With the help of dementors, Azkaban was slightly easier to break into.

'Harry,' Lily gently touch his hand, 'Ginny came in to see you. Did you know?' She's getting along quite well with us. Most of us are still alright,' She paused and look at him. He looked so peaceful when he sleeps. Her hand went down to his wound. It has already healed. She sighed, 'It's been 8 long months, Harry. We all missed you,' she kissed him on the forehead before leaving the room.

'Harry, you've improved!' Merlin said.

'Guess so. You taught me to let it rest, to tame it and focus on something important to me.'

'Very good, Harry,' Merlin replied.

Harry smiled but sighed at the same time, 'It's been 8 months, Merlin. I still don't think I'm ready for it.'

'You are prepared, Harry. Your physical body as healed and you have learned to tame your wild spirit. However, Harry, what you are not ready for is reality. The war against you is taking out on your friends. If you don't return, who else is going to fulfil the destiny?'

Harry lowered his head and sighed again.

'Time is running out, Harry. You are ready for this. You will know what to do in time.'

Harry nodded his head, 'I hope so too that I will be ready.'

'This is really good, Sirius,' Ginny commented she flipped the next page of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

'Of course it is,' Sirius replied, 'Its on the best sellers list in the muggle world.'

'Come in,' Sirius said as someone knocked on the door.

'Oh… Hi Luc,' Ginny said as she closed the book, placing it on the table.

'I thought I drop by to tell you that lunch is ready.'

'Thank you, we'll be down soon,' Ginny replied.

Luc gave a small bow before closing the door.

'Who do you think is cooking this time, Sirius?' Ginny asked.

Sirius shrugged, 'If it's James, I'm skipping lunch.'

'I think all of us will be skipping lunch then,' Ginny nodded as she finished her pumpkin juice and left for the dining hall.

'Here you go, Ginny,' Lily said as she scoop out a few spoonful of mashed potato on her plate.

'Lily, what exactly is this? Severus asked.

'This is fish and chips with mashed potato, baked beans and here is the salad,' Lily ended off as she laid down a large bowl of salad and its dressing in another small bowl.

'I hope it taste good. Its what muggles eat very often and I thought I ought to give it a try making it.'

'I think it's good Lily,' James said, as his mouth was full of mashed potato and fish.

'Yeah, this is good,' Lucius commented.

'I want another helping of potatoes!' Sirius said excitedly. He was always hungry and it wasn't a surprise to see him wanting more.

'Alright Sirius, there's more in the pot.'

Suddenly, the ground started to vibrate. Each of their ears twitch, trying to listen to the unknown surroundings.

'The wards are down, they're coming…' James said anxiously.

'Bell, Sev, prepare the death eaters and proceed to plan B,' Luc commanded.

'Listen Ginny, I want you to stay in the room and-'

'No! I'm not going anywhere! I'm standing beside all of you. I want to fight!'

'Ginny, listen! We can't afford to lose you… You don't know how important you are right now,' Remus said.

'You taught me well guys and I'm ready for whatever that lies ahead.'

Alright… Let's get to the equipment room,' Luc said quickly.

'Here Ginny, this used to be Harry's before he used his father's,' Sev handed the sabre to Ginny. She ignited it and a blue light shot out.

'Okay guys, listen up!' Luc started, 'All of us will be with Ginny, no one touches her until they get through us. The death eaters have surrounded the manor and our forces of light and dark creatures are hidden within the forest. Whatever happens,' Luc paused again, 'No one is to have access to Harry. Dumbledore does not know that of Harry's second chance to live therefore we must not allow him to gain the upper hand.'

Each of them wore black robes with red, blue green and yellow trimmings and even the founders where amongst them, fighting for Harry.

Both sides met on the battlefield, Dumbledore's side obviously outnumbered them but they had the creatures' help. Arthur Weasley stepped out from behind Dumbledore and walked a few feet towards them.

'By order of the Ministry of Magic and the United Wizards Congress, you are to surrender. Lay down your sabres and you may be shown mercy,' The minister of magic shouted across the field.

'They have got to be kidding me,' Sirius said, 'Why go through all the trouble when the fight is going to start anyway?'

Ginny began walking out of the tight circle of her protectors. Seeing that she was amongst them brought out many gasps.

'Ginny…No…' Arthur Weasley whispered.

'No one is going to surrender, Minister,' she spat the last word out as if it was poison, 'We are going to fight and die for what is right.'

Immediately, Luc and the rest ignited their sabres. He raised his hand and the soaring above him were 5 dozen death eater on broom sticks firing arrows at the Order.

'Attack!' The first 2 lines of aurors charged towards them.

'Here we go again,' Sirius said as he raised his sabre, preparing for battle.

Signaling for the others to join in, Dumbledore ignited his own sabre.

Suddenly, the earth shook again.

'What is that?' Ron squint his eyes, trying to figure out the dust that was behind the death eaters.

The light and dark creatures from the forest attacked many aurors and order members.

'Bring her to me and kill whoever that is in the way,' the masked aurors nodded.

'Stay close Ginny!' James shouted as he strike another auror, 'Your father would want you back with him.

'I think you're right James,' Luc responded, 'Cause his men are coming!'

The skilled aurors were slightly better than them but Luc and the rest did not give up.

'Someone stay with her!' Sirius shouted.

Severus gasped, 'Ah!'

'Get away, Sev!' Sirius shouted as he dashed to his friend.

'These are not aurors,' Lily whispered, 'They're assassins!'

'Where the hell is Ginny?' James shouted over the fight, clearly worried.

Ginny was straying further and further away from her protectors as she fought against the aurors.

'Ah!' She screamed as the sabre touched her flesh, producing a deep cut on her right arm.

'Ginny look out!' She saw the sabre rushing down towards her and she waited for the pain to be on her. However it never came. A shield was covering her instead, protecting her from all harm.

'What?' Ginny whispered.

'Ginny…' Luc and the rest rushed to her.

Then, a strong gust of wind blew towards them. Ascending down was none other than Harry.

'Harry…' Ginny whispered his name as she struggled to stand up.

He raised his head and ignited his red sabre. He could smell fear lingering around this whole field as it went quiet.

'If you want this battle to end, let it be known that none of you will walk out of here alive. Now get out!' Harry said.

'Harry…' Dumbledore walked out with Arthur by his side, 'You're alive I see.'

'I said get out!' he swung his sabre around as it slice through an auror's neck.

'Dumbledore…' Arthur whispered, 'let's get out of here. We'll regroup and attack once again.

Dumbledore had a worried look on his face. Harry lifted the sabre at his neck and held it there.

'This will be the last time you see this red sabre at your neck. The next time we meet, I swear to you, the last thing you'll ever see is my face.' Harry retracted his sabre and carried the injured Ginny.

'Should we follow?' Bell questioned Luc.

'Fall back!' Luc shouted as he followed Harry back to the manor.

'My Lord Harry, do you need any help?' Luc asked timidly.

'Meeting room in an hour and see to it that no one enters my suite,' Harry replied as he continued walking up the grand staircase and up to his room.

'Yes my Lord,' Luc and the rest bowed.

In his room, he laid her down slowly and gently. He the proceeded to treat her wounds, being as careful as possible. He cleaned the blood away and suppressed it so that the wound would stop bleeding.

'This is going to hurt a bit, Ginny,' he said softly to her.

'As long as I'm with you Harry, nothing is going to hurt me.'

Harry held her tight as he used magic to seal her wound completely. She controlled her pain but it was overbearing.

'It's done, Ginny. It's over'

Ginny gave Harry a weak smile, 'Harry,' her hand brush against his cheek. She leaned closer and kissed him. He returned equally as passionate.

'I missed you, Harry,' Ginny croaked through her tears, 'these 8 long months were like torture to me, to all of us.'

'I'm sorry, Ginny. I'll never leave you again, I swear,' He held her closer as tears stream down his cheeks.

After a while, they pulled apart. He helped her to her fresh clothes before tucking her into bed.

'It has taken out on you a lot,' Harry said, 'Rest well tonight Ginny.' He kissed her cheek and pulled up the blanket. For the first time in 8 months, Ginny could fall asleep peacefully for Harry had returned.

Seeing her drift off to sleep, he grabbed a jacket and headed to the meeting room.