Chapter 3: Death at a Wedding

Ginny stared out the window as the wedding tent was raised and the guests began arriving, but Ginny barely paid attention. Ginny knew she should be happy for her brother, even though he was marrying that arrogant trollop, who Ginny refused to admit she was growing fond of. But Ginny took no joy from the momentous occasion. She knew what was coming.

"Ginny." Her father's voice uttered from the doorway, but Ginny didn't look back, less he saw the pain in her eyes. "It's time to come down and entertain the guests."

Ginny nodded, still staring out the window. "I'll be right down."

Ginny waited for the door to close but instead felt her father standing behind her. "I know... it's a lot. What with everything that's going on. It's hard to celebrate the good times when the world seems so bad, but that is why we must celebrate because there is still good in this world. The moment we lose sight of that, we've already lost."

Ginny wished she could turn around, but she wasn't sure she was strong enough. Her father stood by her side, looking out the window, and uttered. "You love him, don't you."

In another time, Ginny would've been shocked by her father's keen observation, but not today. Ginny stared blankly out the window and slowly nodded her head. Her father sighed. "He's a brave young man, everything I could ever ask for in a son, but in some way, even he isn't worthy of you."

Arthur chuckled and shook his head. "I wish I could shield you from the world and the pain. I'm sure if Molly could, she would. I know better, love hurts, but it's worth it, just like freedom. The cost of freedom is always too high, yet we will sacrifice our lives for it. You see, that's the thing about life. No matter how hard it gets, it's worth it."

"You're not a little girl anymore, your Mother may not see it, or maybe she refuses to. She's scared, Ginny, we all are, but..." Arthur swallowed thickly. "I'm so proud of you, Ginny. You've become a strong independent young woman. I know you're worried about Harry, I'm worried too, but I have faith he will make it through this."

"How?" Ginny whispered, her voice cracking.

Arthur was silent for a moment, then he turned and lifted his daughter's chin, so she was looking him in the eyes. "Because he has something worth fighting for."

Ginny closed her eyes and embraced her father, who hugged her back tightly. "I love you too, dear. Now, let's go downstairs and face our relatives."

Ginny chuckled at her father's quip before asking. "I'll be right down. I just got to finish touching up my makeup."

"I understand. I'll see you downstairs." Arthur said with a grin before shutting the door behind him. Ginny's smile fell, and she reached into her dress robes, pulling out a suitcase no bigger than a grape. Inside it was food, water, clothing, Madam Lilacs' first aid kit, her broomstick, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes supplies, and anything that Ginny felt would be useful to her in the coming days. Ginny didn't know how long they would be gone or even the nature of their mission. It could take weeks, months...years.

Ginny took a deep breath as she pocketed her belongings. Then with a wave of her wand, her makeup redecorated her face. With one last look around her room, she shut the door behind her and braced for what was coming.

The wedding was a lovely affair. Ginny dressed in a beautiful red dress that complimented her hair, and Harry had a hard time keeping his eyes off her, even as Bill and Fleur became bonded. Ginny's eyes were constantly on him, and once more, Harry felt something off about the look he saw in them. Then again, he was disguised as one of her cousins, which was a bit of a mood killer. Still, he felt there was something else he couldn't put his finger on.

Ginny had to admit it was weird seeing her cousin barney staring at her with such love and devotion, but Ginny could help but smile, knowing who lay behind those eyes. Ginny enjoyed the wedding and even choked up as her Brother said his vows, yet her mind was never far from Harry. She feared that if she lost sight of him for a moment, they would vanish without a trace and be lost to her forever.

Harry felt Ginny's eyes upon him as they mingled with the guests. Harry ran into an old friend of Barney Weasley, who was rather put out when Harry didn't recognize him. Hermione was dancing with Ron, while the Wsending venomous glares at Krum, who merely shrugged and began conversing with one of Fleur's friends.

"Hello, Harry Potter." A familiar voice uttered behind him. Harry spun around in shock, only for the girl to smile. "It will take more than Polyjuice potion to fool me. The eyes are the window to the soul. Changing their colour doesn't change much."

"Your brilliant Luna, you know that," Harry uttered as he kept his eyes on his friends and Ginny, who had a smirk on her face.

"Well, at least some people recognize that." Luna with humour before taking Harry's hand. "Care to dance with me?"

"Sure," Harry uttered with a smile. Luna looked beautiful in her yellow and lilac dress. The colours clashed so spectacularly that Harry caught nearby guests rubbing their eyes from the intensity of the colours. Still, Harry couldn't help but look at the person he wished to dance with.

Luna began to perform a strange series of moves that Harry thought hardly qualified as a dance. Finally, Luna looked at him amidst her peculiar hand movements and uttered. "You don't know the Tanzanian water dance?"

Harry shook his head, and Luna's eyes suddenly brightened. "How about the Alantion ballet? The twisted tango? The Bigfoot stomp?"

"How about we just do a simple waltz," Harry begged, and Luna acquiesced to his request with a pout.

"This is such a boring dance," Luna muttered as they assumed positions and began swaying to the music. "It's nice seeing you again, though I fear this will be the last time we see each over for a while."

Harry tried to deny it, but when he saw the knowing look in Luna's eyes, he realized there was no fooling her. "There's a very good possibility."

"Then I shall miss you greatly, your one of the few friends I have? I doubt I would have any friends if not for you." Luna uttered bluntly, and Harry was sure he would never get used to Luna's willingness to state uncomfortable truths as if she was commenting on the weather.

"What about Ginny," Harry asked, feeling the need to defend her.

"Ginny is my first and remains my closest friend, but we weren't so close for most of my early years in Hogwarts," Luna uttered calmly. "Ginny was under the impression that she was dangerous to be around, which meant keeping her space from me. Remind you of anyone?"

Harry blushed, looking away from Luna's all-knowing gaze. "The funny thing is, by trying to protect me, I was subjected to three lonely years without my best friend, and I wasn't there to help Ginny with her sadness."

"Sorry," Harry uttered uncomfortably.

"Sometimes, when we try to protect people, we cause more harm than good," Luna whispered as she seemed to see through Harry. "You-Know-Who wishes to tear us apart. Only by staying together do we have any hope against him. My father once told me that we stand together but fall divided. Be sure to remember that, Harry. It will make all the difference in the world."

With a grin, Luna suddenly leaned forward and kissed Harry on the cheek. "Now I better go. I believe I've taken advantage of your company long enough."

Luna stepped backward, looking over Harry's shoulder. Harry turned around and found himself face to face with Ginny. Harry stared, stunned by Ginny's beauty, and she smirked with laughter that did not reach her eyes. "Would you mind sharing this dance, cousin Barney?"

Harry nodded stiffly, especially when he placed his arm around Ginny's waist, and they began to dance. Ginny leaned forward and whispered in Harry's ear. "You have no idea how weird it is seeing cousin Barney look at me like that."

"At least we can spend time together without endangering..." Harry trailed off as Luna's words seemed to haunt him. "I missed you, Ginny."

"I miss you too, every minute of every day," Ginny whispered before giving a playful smirk. "But this is even worse, having you so close but not being able to snog you the way I so desperately want to. I don't want to give my family a bad reputation. Snogging cousins is only for upper-class purebloods."

Harry let out a barking laugh, not unlike his Godfather used to do. "I bet Malfoy has loads of practice."

"I always assumed he practiced on Crab and Goyle." Ginny quipped. They tried to keep a straight face before suffering fits of laughter.

"I'm going to miss this." Harry mussed before his eyes widened in alarm. Harry began to stutter, but Ginny silenced him with a finger.

"I know," Ginny whispered, the mirth giving way to a sense of deep sadness. "I know what you have to do. But, I...I hope you don't hate me."

Harry frowned. "I could never hate you."

Ginny nodded as the all too familiar look appeared on Ginny's face. Then suddenly, it came to him. It was the same look he saw on Ginny's face back in his second year when Ginny tried to tell them about the Diary. It was the look she held when she had a secret. "Ginny?"

Ginny looked away, fearing she might've said too much. Her fears were confirmed when Harry tilted her chin up so she looked into his eyes. "Ginny, what aren't you telling me?"

Ginny felt her eyes watering, and she knew that if Harry had been himself and not appeared as her lout of a cousin, she would have cracked and told him everything right then and there. But instead, she closed her eyes and whispered. "I'm scared of what's to come."

Harry's eyes softened as he knew she was telling the truth. That was another trick the twins had taught her. in the art of mischief and deception. The truth was worth a thousand lies. Harry sighed heavily and spoke sincerely. "I'll do everything in my power to return to you, Ginny, I promise you."

Ginny nodded as the guilt ate away at her. She stepped back and whispered. "I'll see you on the other side."

Harry nodded and waved as Ginny stepped back into the crowd, where she began looking for Luna. Ginny found her on the dance floor, where she was interrupting Ron and Hermione's dance, much to their chagrin. "Did you know the Snorkack can grow to be as large as a house, not a very big house, mind you, but it's still very impressive? Oh, hi Ginny."

Ginny rolled her eyes as she grabbed Luna by the arm and shot Hermione and Ron an amused glance. Ron looked quite relieved, while Hermione suddenly looked uncomfortable and awkwardly avoided Ron's gaze. Luna frowned. "That was rather rude, Ginny."

"Not as rude as ruining their dance." Ginny quipped, and Luna had a good fortune not to deny it.

"Why do you have to spoil my fun." Luna wined with a mischievous grin.

"Because we have more important things to discuss." Ginny then leaned forward and whispered. "Is the charm in place?"

Luna reached into her dress and pulled out a cork necklace. "The tracking charm is in place and will last for exactly 24 hours. Do not lose this. I would have made the charm last longer, but it is perilous in enemy hands. Once the charm wears out, the necklace will spontaneously combust, so I would take it off by then if I were you."

"You don't have a license or even practiced apparition, so the possibility of splinching is still very likely, even with the charm. I highly advise you to stay as close to them as possible. The charm is linked to Hermione and Harry. Though neither of the boys has a license, Ron's ability is questionable, while Harry was too young to pass the test despite his flawless ability. If Ron apparates, it could prove dangerous for you to follow. You should be able to judge the safety of the apparition by the image that appears in your mind. The clearer it is, the safer your jump should be. If it's blurry, go at your peril. As much as you want to help him, the last thing Harry needs is for you to show up in two pieces.

Luna took a deep breath before crunching up her face. "That just about covers it."

Ginny pulled Luna into a tight hug, and Luna stiffened as she patted her friend on the back. "I know. I'll miss you too, dearest friend."

Ginny pulled back and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Sorry, I know you don't like that."

"I wouldn't say that? There is a time for hugs but remember Ginny. It's not really goodbye after all. It's like the song my Mother used to sing to me." Luna whispered before she started to sing.

We'll meet again
Don't know where, don't know when
But I know we'll meet again
Some sunny day

Keep smiling through
Just like you always do
'Til the blue skies drive the dark clouds
Far away

Suddenly, Luna released an unearthly gasp as dry as a desert and stumbled forward. If it weren't for Ginny's grasp, she was sure Luna would have fallen. Luna gasped with wide eyes as if she was suffocating. Ginny screamed. "Luna!"

Suddenly Ginny noticed Harry and Hermione upon her while Ron watched on in shock. Yet as Ginny looked around, everyone else seemed oblivious to what was happening. Luna clawed at Ginny's dress as Harry attempted to pry Luna off. Harry looked at Hermione. "She's been poisoned."

Ginny's heart was in her throat as she could only stare at her oldest friend, who seemed to be dying in her arms. Hermione was as pale as a ghost and began rummaging through a purse that appeared from nowhere, panic in her eyes. "I have a bezoar somewhere."

Luna let out another terrible gasp as if her throat was closing on her, and Luna's eyes began rolling in the back of her head. Then Luna lumped forward, her body going limp, as a horrible death rattle seemed to spill from her lips.

"Stop." A voice uttered, and Ginny couldn't believe it was Ron, his hand halting Hermione's frantic search for an antidote.

"Are you mad!" Ginny screamed in terror. "She's dying."

Ron shook his head. "Luna's not dying. She's not even poisoned."

Harry's eyes widened as he looked from Ron to Luna, clarity in his eyes. Ginny was about to shout when slowly, Luna looked up, and Ginny found herself staring into white eyes rolled completely into Luna's head. Luna's breathed in a hoarse voice more reminiscent of a Dementor than the friend she had known for years. Luna slowly looked up at the suddenly grey sky as the sound of thunder ripped through the air, followed by rain.

Then it happened, and with a deathly voice, Luna spoke. "Only in death shall the phoenix be born. Only in death shall the Dark lord fall."

Ginny stared in shock as Luna stiffened, turning more rigid than an unopened book. Ginny looked to the others and suddenly understood what was happening.

Luna continued with an unnatural voice. "Into shadow, our world shall be cast. The Sun has set, and the long night has begun. The king has fallen, and the Dark Lord rules once more. So much blood will be spilled, families shall be shattered, For love and fear will wrought evil that tears us apart. The knight shall fall to darkness while the Queen steps into the light. The hero shall rise above, but even the hero must fall. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. The phoenix shall rise from the ashes. The world will be free once more. Only in death shall the phoenix be born. Only in death shall the Dark lord fall."

Luna suddenly let out an inhuman shriek before collapsing onto the floor. Ginny and Hermione knelt beside her while Harry and Ron shared a look. "We've got to go."

"What?" Hermione looked up in alarm. "Luna's..."

"Just prophesied the fall of the Wizarding world," Harry whispered before looking to Hermione. "The Ministry's fallen."

Hermione's eyes widened in understanding, and then a soft voice uttered. "He's right."

Hermione and Ginny looked to see Luna's eyes open, her pupils visible again, yet they could not ignore the fear they saw in them. "I have no memory of a prophecy, but I hear magic herself screaming. Our time is up. The great war of our time has begun."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione shared a look, and as Hermione started to rise, Luna grabbed her hand. Hermione looked down, and Luna hissed with an intensity none had seen from her before. "Think for yourself, and question authority."

Then Luna reached for her butter-cork necklace and vanished from sight.

Ginny spotted Luna's father stiffen, reach into his pocket, and he too had vanished. No sooner had the Lovegoods vanished when a deep voice shook the wedding. This time all the guests seemed aware of the words that were spoken. "The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They're coming."

Suddenly there was blind panic, and Ginny found herself surrounded by chaos. Looking around, she realized that Harry was gone, along with the others. Ginny started to panic but then realized that no image had appeared in her mind. They were still here.

Then Death Eaters arrived, and the fighting broke out. It was pure bedlam, and Ginny found herself face to face with a tall masked Deatheater who growled. "Hello, little girl."

Ginny raised her wand only for the Death Eaters to suddenly collapse to the side. The Wizard fell to the side and saw Harry standing 20 feet away with his wand raised. Their eyes met as Ron and Hermione ran towards him, and suddenly Ginny knew...this was it.

Time seemed to slow as Harry looked upon her as if he was trying to burn her image into his mind, and Ginny could only watch as Hermione reached him and the three disappeared with a crack.

Images of Muggle streets and rushing cars appeared in Ginny's mind, but they were all blurry and contently changing. Ginny was certain they were making multiple jumps to throw off those trying to follow them. They had no idea they were already being tracked.

The fighting had stopped, and those who hadn't already fled were already being rounded up. Ginny remained rooted to her spot as she saw they were surrounded, and disapparition wards were being set up to prevent further escape. Ginny stepped into the crowd as a tall, dark figure removed his mask and spoke in a familiar timbre voice. "Such a lovely wedding. Pity I was not invited."

Ginny's eyes widened as the figure turned around, and she realized it was none other than Severus Snape. He wore a deep scowl as he spoke with a voice dripping with venomous sarcasm. "It is so good to know that the Weasley family shall continue to prosper. After all, there are so few of you. The last thing the world needs is fewer blood traitors."

Ginny had a hard time believing that this man was not a loyal Death Eater. He seemed transformed. If he was scary to her as a kid, it was nothing compared to the villain that stood before her. Then again, the lines between good and evil must be blurred to infiltrate the death eater ranks so efficiently.

"As much as it pains me to ruin our little gathering, there is a traitor in your mist. I speak of nonother than Harry Potter." Snape spat with a loathing he did not need to fake. "I assure you that harbouring this fugitive will result in grave consequences. However, if any of you were to give us information that helped lead to his capture, the reward shall be great. I can offer you fame, wealth, and power. Or I shall deliver you pain, suffering, and death. The choice is entirely yours."

There was silence, and Ginny could see the scowl on Severus's face deepen. "Very well."

Suddenly, Severus reached into the crowd and pulled out Fred Weasley, who spat at Snape, only to scream as Snape crucioed him. "If you aren't going to talk, I shall start by making your precious twins identical. Witch of your brother's ears did I cut off, the left or the right?"

Fred glared at his former professor, and the Severus rolled his eyes before aiming his wand at Fred's ear. "So be it, we shall start with your left, and if your still not talking, we'll remove the right as well. Sectum-"

"Wait!" Everyone turned to Ginny as she stepped out of the crowd, She could see her parents horrified gaze, and her heart broke at what was about to happen. A plan had formed in her head. One witch required every last fiber of her courage as fear threatened to consume her.

Severus let Fred go shoving him into the crowd. "Miss Weasley, Potter's former belle."

Ginny met his gaze defiantly and declared. "I'm not afraid of you, murderer."

Snape's scowl deepened as she slowly approached Ginny. Ginny stood her ground, focused on the Death Eater's eyes, and preyed that Dumbledore was right. Severus hissed. "Potter has abandoned you to our mercy. He has shown you no loyalty. It would be foolish not to grant him a similar courtesy."

"No one here knows where Harry is, not even me." Ginny snapped before grinning. "He's escaped your clutches. I'm sure Tom will be most displeased with."

Severus stopped right in front of Ginny, peering down with piercing eyes. "Foolish girl, so quick to throw your life away for that loathsome tramp."

Ginny nodded her head. "I love him, and I would die for him."

The two stared at one another, neither blinking. Surrounded by Weasleys, Pheonix members, and Death Eaters, not one of them realized that this was not a conversation of words but minds. While Severus stared into her eyes, Ginny focused on what Dumbledore had spoken through the diary and her plan. Finally, Severus blinked and uttered. "Understood."

Only Ginny noticed that Snape's gaze had softened for a moment before hardening with a grim determination. Snape grabbed Ginny by the arm and threw her across the yard. Ginny stumbled backward as the ground exploded to her left. She heard her family screaming as Snape roared. "You want to die for him?"

Ginny backed away in terror, wondering if she had made a grave miscalculation. Then, the ground exploded to her right. "Then so be it!"

Ginny was suddenly flung backward, smashing through the fence and landing in a heap. Ginny looked up to see Snape casting a spell. "What's one less Weasley! Bombardo!"

Ginny closed her eyes and heard her Mother's screams, then...nothing.

Ginny opened her eyes and realized a wall of green fire surrounded her, yet she did not burn. Entranced, Ginny reached out, and her hand met an invisible barrier. Suddenly she understood that Dumbledore had been right, Snape was on their side, and he had just given Ginny the chance to escape.

But there was her family. They must be certain that she was dead, the thought chilled Ginny to the bone, but then she realized something worse. What would happen to her family if it was discovered that she lived and was on the run with Harry? Snape's words became clear. They weren't merely part of his performance. Ginny Weasley needed to die.

Ginny understood what she had to do, and for the rest of her days, Ginny was terrified by how easy it was for her to do. She did hesitate, she showed no regret, yet she did not lose sight of the madness of her actions. It was merely a necessary sacrifice,

Ginny gritted her teeth raised, her wand to her pinky, and cried out. "Diffindo!"

She had to swallow the scream which desperately fought to escape her, but she didn't make a sound. Instead, she focused on the image in her mind of a city cafe. Then, with a crack, Ginny left her old life and finger behind.

Today is a dark day in America. Women's rights have been set back 50 years, and this is only the beginning. Stay strong and do what is best for yourself and your loved ones. A lot of people will be forced to make some very tough decisions, this is what the loss of liberties truly looks like.

Lady justice has been raped, truth assassin
Rolls of red tape seal your lips, now you're done in
Their money tips her scales again, make your deal
Just what is truth? I cannot tell, cannot feel

The ultimate in vanity
Exploiting their supremacy
I can't believe the things you say
I can't believe, I can't believe the price
We pay

Nothing can save us
Justice is lost, justice is raped, justice is gone
Pulling your strings, justice is done
Seeking no truth, winning is all
Find it so grim, so true, so real

...And Justice for All - Metallica