The day went as it normally would. It started snowing again, only lightly, enough to layer what was already stuck on the ground. Fresh and fluffy as the snow grew, children out in the courtyard playing, the garden's flowers nothing but faltered remnants of what was once a vibrant display of colors, and the castle; cold as it had been the night before.
Ginny dressed in her lovely gown made by her dear friend, hair into a delicate style, and the slight blush on her face. Typical. It was the same as every other day. Dressed in fancy clothes, fancy hair, fancy makeup that royals wore most of the time, not Ginny. Not her at all. But as her status, he must display a show of perfection. Perfection that the other Ladies of the castle must follow. Although the other ladies were in competition with the others for perfection, Ginny tries to stay out of it. It was never her desire; she didn't care what others thought about. Never cared for the rumors about her: "secret love affairs with the servants". The other ladies never had the guts to say it to her, always acted formal and with respect, but the rumors behind her back were unending.
She always wondered who started these rumors or how they came to be. She was sure she and Harry tried to stay as secretive and careful whenever they snuck away to be together. What a time. They knew it was forbidden, knew it would never, ever, be allowed or accepted. But she didn't care. She didn't care about anything else but him. Whenever it came to him, she would risk everything.
The other ladies never fully accepted her either. She stayed quiet during their gatherings, hiding in the corners of the room. Sought the comfort of Luna and never really engaged in conversations. All the gossip they passed about other ladies were passed amongst each other, the jewelry and dresses; the new fashion trends. She didn't care. Never had, probably never will.
All the other ladies were fit to be a princess, more than she was. Romilda Vane; her grandmother owned a winery in France, said to have a secret love affair with the King, married a wealthy English Lord instead, but never ended the affair until the king of France had passed. When her Lord husband died, she took over the property somewhere in Northern England and had ties to other powerful families in the region. It was rumored she murdered her husband because he had found out about the love affair. But it was all covered and swept away with the help of the other families, and of course, swept away to keep the perfect family status. Then came Romilda's mother and Romilda, herself. Almost the same person, minions of the grandmother. Romilda grew up to be the only child and had everything she wanted. She was treated like royalty where she came from. She often competes with Ginny in looks and fashion. Ginny didn't care.
Romilda talked to others as if she was the princess of the castle herself. There are talks of her going around and sleeping with lesser lords, yet she had the nerve to talk about Ginny. She really did try and out do Ginny with everything and anything. If Ginny was gifted precious jewelry, Romilda would come the next day with the most sparkly and elegant jewelry and tell everyone in the castle about what her grandmother had gifted her. It was ridiculous, childish even. Like children in the courtyard comparing their dresses. If so, some things never change in people as they grow older. Lady Vane, the grandmother, did always try to give the best for her granddaughter, as if Romilda was some kind of trophy to be waving around. Ginny never understood why, and she probably never will. Ginny vowed to herself to stay away from that woman as much as she can.
Next is Lady Cho. The Changs were a powerful family second to the emperor of China. She was sent to England for finishing school and to create a powerful bond with England. Her father knew the King, and the King of England was more than willing to accept the ambassador from China. Lady Cho is beautiful, her foreign and exotic features are noticed wherever she goes. Not compared to Fleur of course, as Fleur was the most beautiful. Second to her is her sister Gabrielle. Cho was kind and sweet, but also a very emotional woman. Ginny figured it was a different social norm than what Cho was used to back in her home country, so she accepted Cho would always be the way she is. Even when news of the war broke out to everyone in the castle, everyone stood shocked. Cho, well, she broke down in tears as if her loved one was the first casualty in a battle that had yet to begin. It was almost pathetic, Ginny thought at that moment. Of course, Ginny was scared and still is scared, but not enough to break down in tears. Cho, is one of the ladies to avoid.
Ginny never really liked Gabrielle, Fleur's younger sister. Ginny didn't like the other ladies, anyways. Gabrielle is a few years younger than Ginny, but she always found a way to order Ginny around just because her sister is the future Queen of England. She took advantage of that. It bothered Ginny a bit, but never thought much of it as she avoided Gabrielle on most occasions. It was rumored she was to marry the Prince of Austria; Ginny wishes nothing more than to send Gabrielle to Austria and away from England, far away from her. But in these circumstances, it was difficult to leave England. Great.
Then there's have Katie Bell. She is known for her skills in polo and archery. She was different from the other ladies, kind of like Ginny when it comes to personality. But Katie Bell always wanted to fit in with the other ladies. Ginny sees the way they treat her, bully her at times, but Katie was too naïve and too desperate to get along with the other ladies. Her mother died when she was a baby. Her father raised her ever since, but as Katie grew older, her father started gaining status with his trade. But a year into the war, he passed. It left Katie in despair and sadness. She often locked herself in her chambers for weeks. The other ladies would check up on her, but Ginny doubts they ever cared for her feelings. Katie got over it eventually when she accepted her father's death. They were in war after all. Things like that happen in war and Katie never lost hope. She knew her father's death is a sign to keep going forward and be reminded that he died for a great cause. Katie knew they she had to stay strong the whole way, her father's death will not be in vain.
All the ladies were the same, though. Everything about them was the same and it was disgusting. Luna was of course different from the other ladies. Same as Ginny, she often wandered in the corner of the room, away from the center of attention and paid no mind to what was said behind her back. Luna and her father are great friends of the Weasleys. Her mother was an artist, painting all the beautiful portraits of her family that adorned the castle walls. She filled the halls with all her other paintings full of color and personality. Her family appreciated all they have done and their creative characteristics. The Lovegoods grew up in the village, although blessed with wealth, they never flaunted it, but instead they did all they can to help others. Luna grew up just outside the village in a manor. They lived near the mountains and Luna had all the land and trees to explore and express her wandering personality. In some ways, Ginny envied her. She was trapped behind stone walls while Luna had the world. Luna would tell tales of all the mystical creatures she came across; the horseback riding adventures in a village of tall trees. The Lovegoods were a kind family. They spread love and happiness to whoever they meet. When Ginny visited Luna years ago, she remembers their house being filled with colorful paintings and exotic plants. They had knick-knacks from all over the world. Unusual, but it described the Lovegoods and how they lived a very creative life.
Luna's father was a merchant of spices. He developed a business in the village, and it earned him the reputation of the "Spice King". He came from money of course. It helped him start his business when Luna's grandfather passed and ever since, the Lovegoods and their business have been booming. They were a happy trio. They traveled all over the UK exploring the land and all its riches. They all lived a happy life until Luna's mother passed from an illness. It destroyed the family. For months Luna and her father were coped up in the manor. For months they were nowhere to be seen and Ginny had missed her best friend. She understood all that happened, and the family needed to grieve. But then, Luna and her father showed up at the castle, smiling, but still a deep emptiness in their eyes. They informed and thanked Arthur for their time of healing, and appreciated the family's love and support. They loved Luna's mother after all, it had affected Ginny and her family as well.
But these days during the war, it was not important to compete in who wore the most beautiful dress of the day. There is no time for that, nor effort. Almost all the men were off fighting. All the other Lords had either taken up residence back in their own homes or stayed in the castle to deal with political issues. Too much is at stake, other important issues are to be dealt with.
Ginny stared out the window as Hermione put finishing touches on Ginny's hair. She wondered how much of the men would be coming home. Her heart broke for the women who would never get to see their loved ones again, unknowing of their death or if they ever thought about them. It's war. It happens. Ginny never understood why people choose to be cruel. She never understood how some take pleasure in killing, like their dark leader. It's terrifying how much of an influence their leader has. To follow him to darkness and cause destruction. It's not power they have; they bring the apocalypse. Ginny never paid enough attention to her studies, but she knew of the end times that were destined to come. She thinks this is it. Perhaps it is what they were after, a destruction. But she knows she cannot lose hope, especially how much her father had worked for his kingdom, doing everything to bring stability and peace. They were all happy before the war. Everything was light. And then came the darkness.
Her memories passed once Hermione was done tying her hair into an elegant hairstyle as waves of red flow down her back. It's a simple style, but Ginny's favorite. She liked her hair long and tried to keep out of a bun in order to express the true beauty of red hair. Harry liked it. She loves the way he runs his fingers down her long hair and there were times he expressed how much he loves it.
She smiled at the thought. She thanked Hermione for her services as the young maid started to fix her covers. Ginny looked back at Hermione and wondered if Hermione had anyone who loved her. Probably. A smart and beautiful girl, any man would fall to their knees.
The princess walked down the long and dark corridors of the castle and thought about the times she played there as a kid. She remembers running after her brothers as their mother yelled at them from afar. The times she snuck away from her lessons to meet Harry at the stables were her favorite. Her professors never see her leave and Ginny runs down the hallways in glee ready to see her best mate. What a time.
The castle had woken up as she saw Lady Romilda and Lady Cho curtsied in Ginny's presence. She smiled at them and kept walking, trying to avoid any conversations with the two. Not that Ginny didn't like them, she was uninterested in the topics they talked about, as always.
She met her mother in the tea, finding her sitting by the fire trying to get warm from the cold winter's air. Her mother is sipping tea and writing something on a parchment. Letters perhaps or documents, Ginny didn't know. But whatever it is, it must be important as her mother did not sense Ginny's presence as she walked up.
"Mother, father is coming home today. Please don't stress so much on anything other than your husband and sons." She greeted.
"Oh dear!" Her mother replied. "I didn't see you there! Good morning, have you eaten breakfast this morning?" She asked.
Ginny smiled. She's always happy to be around her mother's eccentric aura. She is always smiling despite these dark circumstances, and what a great Queen in setting an example for her subjects. "Actually, I was hoping to get breakfast with you if you're not too busy. I could use some company."
"Of course, dear." She smiled. "I will meet you in the Great Hall. I must finish these letters before sending them off."
"Yes, mother." She rubbed her mother's shoulder as an excuse to see what the letter is about. However, her mother's small writing made it hard to scan through. She smiled at her mother before walking out the tearoom. On her way, she ran into Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. She greeted them good morning and they too returned the greeting. They were her professors growing, as well as her brother's. They taught her everything she needed to know when it came to education, and at times, they tutor her and mentor her after finishing her studies. She liked talking to them. She enjoyed their presence as their philosophical view of life guided her to become the woman she is now. Not only were they professors, but they also sat in the seats of her father's council and advised him on the views of politics and the military. They were close friends of her family, in fact, she views them as family.
In the Great Hall, there were a few lords and ladies that sat at the long table, distracted by their own conversations. The staff around her greeted as she walked in but walked away quickly as they proceeded to do their tasks.
They were all coming home, and everything must be prepared for their arrival. She looks out the window into the courtyard and it is now decorated in banners and flags. The guards were now in all entrances standing in guard in case something goes wrong. Soon, they would all go and meet their loved ones out in the courtyard. Soon, she would see him again. Glorious and beautiful, she's anticipating their reunion.
She spotted Lady Luna at the edge of the long table, eating by herself. She's reading a book, completely focused, Ginny doubts Luna would feel her presence. Deciding she was not hungry, she told one of the staff she would be out in the garden if her mother came in. She leaves Luna to her books, as whatever she is reading is something far more interesting than her. The maid nodded and stood by the table, waiting until someone requested her service. Ginny walks out of the hall and makes her way into the gardens.
She stops by at the greenhouse and greets Madam Sprouts good morning. She is the castle's head gardener, and her apprentice Neville Longbottom walks out the little storage unit with a pot of plants.
"Good morning, Your Highness!" He greets, smiling.
"Please Neville, it's just 'Ginny'. I think we've known each other for far too long for such formalities."
"If you say so, but Madam Sprouts will have my head if she hears me call you by your name."
Ginny laughs, knowing how Madam Sprouts is strict on Neville. After his parents died nearly 15 years ago, she decided to take in Neville to raise him and teach him of her trade. And as scheduled, Madam Sprouts steps out from behind the bush. "Of course, I will, boy. You know better than to not formally greet someone by their title. And for you Princess, I know your mother would not want you going 'round the castle telling all the staff to call you by your first name."
"It's no problem, Madam Sprouts." Ginny replied. "I feel like I connect more with everyone when they call me by my first name. Afterall, you know I don't like titles. It makes me feel more privileged than the others."
"But you are, dear. You're the Princess. The seventh child of King Arthur and Queen Molly. Take pride in that, your parents have lifted the kingdom from the dirt! We love them and we love you and your brothers. For all you've done for us, you must take pride in who you are."
Ginny was speechless, she knew what her parents contributed for the kingdom. She knew how respected they are from all around. "Thank you, Madam Sprouts. I sometimes don't feel like I am worthy of this title. Someone like Romilda Vane or Cho Chang can take it. They take their role more seriously than I do."
"But you are worthy, Ginny!" Neville replied. "It may not be much, but everyone in the castle knows how much you encourage others to keep going."
Ginny laughs, knowing what Neville meant. "We were young, Neville. I think child's play is a lot more different than handling responsibilities of a kingdom." She replied. She turns back to Madam Sprouts. "If you don't mind, Madam Sprouts, I would like Neville to accompany me in the garden. I would like to look at the rose brush he had been keen on keeping alive for the winter."
"Ah of course." She replies. "The boy's been working since dawn. Go ahead and take a break."
"Thank you, Madam Sprouts." They both replied. Neville placed the pot he was carrying onto a nearby shelf then took off his apron and grabbed his cloak from the closet.
They walked out into the garden in silence, away from the whispering halls of the castle and into the cold, cold garden.
"You're not really interested in the rose bush, are you?" Neville questioned.
"What? Of course, I am, Neville! You worked so hard on it in the beginning of winter."
"Ha." He laughed. "But you and I both know it can't survive in the cold like this." He stopped, turning to her. "What's really on your mind?"
Ginny sighs as she turns back to Neville. He was always good at reading her thoughts, knowing her worries. He had been left behind in the war, not able to qualify in the ranks of the army. He was devastated when he was told to stay back, he wanted to do more than gardening no matter how much he loved it. "You're always good at reading my thoughts, aren't you, Neville Longbottom?" She paused. "I guess I'm just too anxious to see my father and brothers."
"What about Harry?"
"What about him?" She countered.
He stared at her once more, with obviousness in his eyes. "I'm going to pretend you didn't ask that question." He paused. "Look, he'll be fine. He's coming home, you know it. It's going to take more than a couple of Death Eaters to kill Harry Potter."
"Stop it, Neville. Don't talk like that. You know Harry doesn't think about himself. He'll do anything to protect the ones he loves and that's why it's dangerous for him to be fighting in this war."
"Ginny, that's exactly why he's fighting. He wants a better world, a better place to live in. You remember, don't you? How he was like once the news of the Death Eaters broke out. Their leader was the one that killed his parents, of course he's going to be fighting."
"So, this is revenge? To Harry, for his parents?" She snapped.
"Of course, it's not just revenge, Ginny. He loves you, with all his heart. And like I said, he's fighting for a better world, a safe world. For you to live without fearing for your own life."
"But I don't fear for my life, I fear for his."
"And he feels the same for your life."
She turns away and starts walking back to the castle, as if the simple conversation triggered her most inner insecurity. Of course, it was nothing like that, she hated fearing for Harry's life, and she knew Neville was right. He's fighting for her, but at what cost?
"You know I'm right, Ginny. But this is war. We fear for our loved ones, we fear the outcome. It's unpredictable how this war can turn out, but we must have hope."
"I know Neville." She sighs, turning back to him once more. "I just wish he'll step back and not interfere, to stay here and be safe. But I can't be selfish. You and I both know Harry wouldn't do that."
"Of course, he won't. Its Harry. A lunatic risking his own life to save others."
She laughs. Harry was always jumping into the fight without a single thought. He always fought for what was right, even defied Sirius at times when he refused to train Harry in combat. Without Bill's help, Harry would have found his own way to train and get into the ranks of the army. Over the years, Harry became a fine swordsman, even beating Bill in sessions. She always watched them from afar, making sure not to be seen. But she observed Harry, the way he moved, the way he grew stronger and more confident. In turn, she was confident that Harry would be okay.
"He'll be fine, Ginny. He's one of your father's finest soldiers. I heard he was thinking of making Harry a Captain."
"And where did you hear that?" She wondered.
"From Ron." She snuffed and rolled her eyes. Her brother always had a big mouth. "I think Ron admires Harry. Can't stop talking about his skills in battle last time they were all here."
She smiled, knowing everything impressed her older brother. She knew Harry and Ron were acquaintances with each other, always seeing them train together and even sat down for lunch occasionally. She wonders how much Ron knew about her and Harry. The only person that knew about their relationship is Neville. He had grown up with Harry and she trusted him to keep a secret. When their relationship started, Neville would always be the one to look out for them. Although their secret meetings were always held during the night, at daytime, Neville would sometimes be their lookout whenever they met.
It was all so forbidden, even now. But Ginny will risk anything to be with Harry.
"Thank you for the comforting words, Neville. If you don't mind, I think I would like to see the disaster of a rose bush you tried to keep alive."
"It would be my pleasure, Princess." And with the final glare to Neville, they continued walking until they found a pile of dried leaves and rose petals in contrast to the fresh fallen snow. With a scowl, Neville sighed. "I'm a pathetic excuse of a gardener."
"Hmm, I'd say this might be your best work yet." She smirked.
"Thanks." Neville said, rolling his eyes.
After a quick snack and a small conversation with Luna, Ginny headed back into her lonely chambers. She sat by the fire that Hermione made and grabbed a throw blanket to warm herself. She thought about Harry once more and how their relationship first began ever since their first kiss. It had been innocent; simple kisses, a touch of hands, soft and warm hugs. Her family knew how she and Harry were close, especially growing up together. They always thought Harry was a spectacular boy and never really minded when Ginny and Harry were off together. But as they grew older, she and Harry grew apart as she was focused on her studies and Harry with training.
But by the time of Bill and Fleur's wedding, she had finished her studies and Harry was placed in the King's guard. He was on duty on the night of Bill and Fleur's wedding. He was there in the background, making sure nothing got out of hand or no one was trying to sneak into the castle, but stealthy as he is, he found a way to meet her in the garden.
The night of their first kiss was only the beginning of their relationship. After that moment, they stayed out in the garden and talked, making sure to be hidden from the crowd. And once they parted, he kissed her once more and she was off to join the rest of the party. When she grew tired and wanted to go to bed, Harry had stopped in an empty corridor to kiss her good night. It was always those moments that meant a lot to her, always those moments where they had the time to see each other. The few minutes they had together were precious to her. It had been those times where she spends time with Harry due to their forbidden outings. Nothing about their relationship was accepted by everyone else, but to them, it was everything.
She knew how much Harry cared for her. And she knew she cared for Harry. She always worried about him whether he's in the battlefield or in the castle. She was worried about what will happen to him if anyone finds out about their relationship. She worried about starting a relationship with Harry because of that reason, but the more time they had spent together, the more confidence she gained that she and Harry were meant to be together at all odds. The possibility of getting married to Harry was low, especially of her title. But she knew Harry would be by her side in whatever circumstances and would stop at nothing to be with her – married and living a happy life once this war is over.
If only she was able to be with him publicly, she would be the happiest woman in the entire world. But for now, this was enough. And for now, she will see him soon.
She waited until the time came for her to greet her family in the courtyard. And in those hours, she waited, she read the old book from the library and had asked Hermione to bring her a cup of tea. It was a relaxing afternoon as the sun started to shine through the clouds but knew it would not stay long. And so, she appreciated the small moments of the sun's rays as it kissed her cold skin.
Not long after, her mother knocked on the door and she knew it was time to greet her family in the courtyard.
She took her cloak that would keep her warm in the snow as her mother brushed the strands that had fallen. And soon, she and her mother walked in the hallways and out in the courtyard.
Everyone in the castle was already waiting. She saw Albus Dumbledore and Minerva Mcgonagall beside her and her mother. Fleur was beside her, dressed all white in her beautiful dress. Her pale cheeks now red from the coldness of the snow as she blows out a cloud of breath in relief to see her husband. Her mother clutched her hand, anxious to see her husband and six sons. Luna was behind her with the other ladies bundled closely to keep warm. There were guards surrounding the castle walls and some on the upper level waiting for arrival. All the other lords and ladies close together in hopes to keep warm, whispering to each other, keeping conversation until the army comes marching in.
She stands waiting, her hands shaking but not from the cold. Her excitement of seeing Harry was unbearable. She can't wait to be in his arms once more but knew it won't be until later under the cover of darkness. Luna must have felt her anxiety, or excitement, as she put a hand on her shoulder and whispered, "You're shaking, Ginny. They'll come through those doors any second."
Ginny nodded and tried her best to stay still. Luckily her mother did not notice her shaking but her mother was doing the same. She blamed it on the cold but knew deep down it was something else. Of all the times she stood in this courtyard waiting for Harry she always feared she would not see him through those gates. The fear of his absence was something she worried would happen. The war is not pleasant, and each time her father's army comes through the door, the number of tears that ladies cry as their husbands are missing from their horses. And each time she feared that it would be her in their shoes.
She in turn clutched her mother's hand just as tightly as she heard horse hoofs marching silently on the snow-covered ground. Not a minute later the trumpets blew their song indicating the arrival of the king. She felt her mother stiffen beside her as her excitement radiated off her hand and into Ginny's. Any second now the gates will open and she had been waiting for this moment for months.
And as she envisioned her father's smiling face on horseback, he marched through the gates, and she heard her mother let out a sigh of relief. All the anxiety had been released as soon as her father arrived and as the crowd let out their cheers. The music started as the king arrived and everything seemed to be less dark. Despite the war, it was these small moments when they came home, and all is forgotten about the problems outside the castle walls. It won't be forever, but for now, it was enough. It was these times where she can sit with her family at the dinner table like they did before the war and the times she can spend with them before they go off to another battle.
One by one her brothers trail behind her father. Bill comes in first behind her father and she hears Fleur cry out in relief as she steps slightly forward for her husband to see her. She meets Bill's eyes, and he makes his way towards her on horseback. He hops off his horse once he was close enough and Fleur made her way over to him. They reunite in the middle, kissing each other as Bill gathers Fleur tightly in his arms. He whispered something in Fleur's ear as she let out a soft cry on his shoulder.
Ginny then saw Charlie and Percy come through the gates, Fred and George just behind them. Charlie made his way over to her father where he stands talking to Alastor Moody, an officer in his army. Fred, George, and Percy found their fiancés' in the crowd and hopped off their horses as they met their ladies in waiting. She then saw Ron who was already inside the courtyard, beside him Dean Thomas, a son of a Lord from one of the Southern houses. She was in a hushed conversation but eventually Ron made his way over to her and her mother. He jumped off the horse and she felt her mother let go of her hand to make her way over to her youngest son. She pulled him into a tight hug, and she heard her mother fussing over him like she always did. She smiled softly at the interaction and soon she was in her brother's arms.
"You got shorter, Gins." He said to her still in a hug.
She pulled away rather aggressively and pushed his shoulder. "I think it is you that got shorter, brother." She smiled. "Got any missing feet from the battle? I think the Death Eaters may have taken them from you but you're too embarrassed to admit it."
"Like they can get anywhere near me! Thanks to Harry, he saved my arse more times than I can imagine!"
Harry. And just as her brother mentioned his name, he marched through the gates after Sirius Black, his godfather, and Remus Lupin, an officer in her father's army. He looks beaten. Tired. Dark bruises covered his face as the thin faded lines of scars he had endured during his battles. His hair longer than she last saw him, pale, a scar visible on the side of his neck. He is looking down, not knowing Ginny is gazing at him, or he has not noticed her onlooking eyes.
She turns away from her brother, as she hears her mother bicker about him once more. She noticed Charlie and Percy had made their way over to her and her mother, and her father was still in the distance talking to his officers. But her attention was not to them, it was on him.
He rode beside Sirius as she saw Sirius say something to Harry and made his way over to her father and the other officers. Harry still had not noticed her in the crowd of people. Instead, he made his way the opposite direction from Sirius and towards the back gate. And as he made his way over to the stables, he crossed an opening from the large crowd and saw her standing there. Beautiful as always, red hair in contrast with the white snow and white winter cloak.
All he wanted to do was dismount his horse and kiss her right there, in the middle of the courtyard, for all eyes to see. Her eyes never left his and she gave him that beautiful smile. The golden smile that stole his heart many years ago, the smile that made him fall in love among all the other reasons he loves her. But the smile that is worth coming home for, right there. Right in front of him, yet so far away.
He returned the small gesture, knowing whatever interaction that may have been noticeable could cause them the very thing they held pure, their relationship. He saw the smallest glint of a tear in her eyes, knowing those tears were happiness, relief. Maybe not just for him but all the ones she loves coming home safely. There would be time for them later, much later. But now, she needs to be with her father and brothers. He understood that when they started their relationship, that they came first. And he had no problem with that, she is close with all her brothers. But him, she would always be the priority to him. There would be plenty of time for the two of them later, but for now, he needed rest. He needed to feed his horse, Hedwig, and get her in the warm stables. They have been traveling for a week after the battle, they were all exhausted, cold, and hungry. He needs to focus on recovering, and when the castle sleeps deep into the night, he'll sneak into Ginny's chambers and spend the rest of the night and early hours of the morning beside her.
He rode away from the crowd, turning back to Ginny once more as he saw Lady Luna walk beside her and placed her hand on her shoulders. Luna turned to him as she whispered something in Ginny's ear. She wiped her eyes and gave him another small smile before she turned away from his gaze and hugged her brother Charlie when he approached.
And for now, he needed to get Hedwig fed and warm.
It was relieving to watch Harry walk through those gates. Seeing him after being months away gave warmth to her heart, knowing he was okay. For now, at least. She knew she would see him much later, when the castle slept. And after this reunion with her family in the courtyard, they would go back inside the castle and get warm, get situated, and she'll see them again at the dinner table.
Once she greeted all her brothers, her father walked over to the small group and took Molly into his arms in a warm hug. She saw how her mother melted into her father's arms and she knew her mother would be satisfied and less anxious, knowing her husband is back home with all her children. Her father kissed Molly's forehead and once again gave her another hug. He made eye contact with Ginny as he released her mother. She gave him a tearful smile and he then gathered his youngest and only daughter in his arms. She hugged him just as tight, and she felt as if she was a little girl again.
"I missed you, father." She whispered in his chest. "I hope everything went well."
"We had our good days and bad days, but we made it home safe." He replied, pulling away as he placed his hands on her shoulder.
"Well, thank goodness you're alright." She smiled earnestly.
"Why don't we all go inside and sit by the fire. You boys must be freezing." Her mother interrupted.
She and her brothers nodded in agreement, as his father put an arm around her mother's shoulders, they all started to walk her back inside. Her brothers signaled the guards to take their horses back into the stables as everyone else greeted their loved ones back.
Each of her brothers, apart from Ron, gave Ginny a warm hug before going back inside the castle. Bill and Fleur walked ahead of the group, Percy and Charlie, then Fred and Ron, and finally she and George. She had hoped the group would walk ahead of her, but George was insistent on walking beside his only sister. She also hoped to get a final glance at Harry before she walked inside, but he was nowhere to be found. She knew he would be at the stables, but she hoped he stayed behind a bit more.
"Something on your mind, Gin?" George asked, interrupting her thoughts.
"No." She replied, turning to him. "It's wonderful seeing everyone reunite. You all have been gone for far too long, the castle was very quiet while you were away. It was almost depressing."
Of course, it was depressing, she hated the silence. She hated when everyone was away to battle, anxiety racking within her of the unknowing. Not knowing who will come home, who had died, what might have happened. All of it. It was killing her. But she did not want her brothers to worry about her, as they had bigger problems to deal with than their lonely little sister. She refused to be a burden, and she put on a brave face every time she walked out her chambers. A brave face for her mother, a brave face for everyone else but her.
"Depressing." George chuckled. "I wonder why?" He said sarcastically.
"Oh, you know. Fleur dictates every tea party in the castle, dressing me in her finer, uncomfortable gowns. Weekly lavish dinners for the ladies only. It's sickening. Not to mention the sit-down circles where all the ladies knit and gossip. It's horrible."
"Truly depressing, Gin-Gin. I'm surprised Fleur hasn't been maimed or missing yet."
"Well, I can't ruin dear brother Bill's life, can't I?"
He let out a small laugh. "Understandable, but just remember who your favorite brother is, little sister."
"Which is exactly why I haven't done anything to Fleur. Not yet at least."
"Ouch. And here you are as my favorite sister."
"I'm your only sister, George."
"Really now? Last time I checked; you hate getting your hair brushed. Not very proper, especially for our little princess. More like a maniac for another little brother."
"I was 12!" She laughed. "All I wanted to do was go outside so mum would stop nagging at me."
"That of course and go see young Mr. Potter."
She stayed silent for a moment, shocked, but continued. "How was he? During the battle? I took a glance at him earlier and he looked awful. Something must have happened."
They crossed the threshold of the castle, and they made their way inside. George had gone silent, most likely remembering their time out in the cold field. "Something always happens. Some are just too intense for Potter. Ron mentioned he saw someone he knew, someone involved with his parents' murder."
"Oh," she said quietly, "that must have been tough for him."
"Yeah. Sirius is worried about him. He's taking this war a little too hard. He's set on getting rid of every person involved in his parents' murder. Ron mentioned he made some sort of hit list on those people. It's terrifying how Potter fights, he shows little mercy. Manic, really."
"Harry? The Harry we knew growing up?
"Yeah. Like I said, it was quite terrifying seeing him in battle. A ruthless little bastard."
"Don't call him a bastard, George." She snapped. "You and I both know what he has been through."
"Yeah, and that hit list he apparently made are all the people he wants to seek out in the battlefield. Number one on the list is Riddle."
Tom Riddle. The name that has been feared most in the country. The man who started this entire war the year Ginny was born. She never understood how such a man made an impact on those around him, influencing them to seek destruction rather than peace. The goal is to destroy all that her father built for the kingdom and take the throne as his own. Some blamed her father for not stopping Riddle years before. But Riddle had always been good at hiding and secretly building his army of Death Eaters. For all she knew, Riddle's family had always been wealthy and were a powerful family from the East. She never really interacted with other houses in the area, but she knew his family were never liked. The destruction of Riddle's family happened years before she was even born, but she heard rumors that he killed his mother and father and everyone else living in his house just to gain the head seat of his house.
All his loyal servants never had a great upbringing either, from what Ginny heard. She was never really allowed when her father had his meetings, but Ron of course, had a big mouth and would accidentally spill the secrets.
And Harry's involvement had been tragic. The war did start when Riddle killed Harry's parents when he was just a baby. From her understanding, the Potters were the first to rally against Riddle and his followers. The Potters were in fact a powerful family, as well. They were respected in the land and were allies to her father. She didn't know too much about them, and Harry never talked about it. Even throughout the years, he never really liked to talk about them and would divert the conversation if his parents were mentioned between him and Ginny. She figured it was a sensitive subject to Harry and even though he was open to a lot of conversations, he was still closed off to many subjects, especially if it involved his knowledge of his parent's murder. She respected him for keeping it himself, but she hoped, eventually, he would tell her. But for now, she was happy he was home and safe.
Lost in thought, she completely forgot George was talking to her. It has been an occurring thing lately. "You okay, Gin?" George asked, bringing her back.
"Yeah," She responded, "It's freezing. This winter feels like it's been the coldest yet."
"Yeah, I agree. Sometimes our fire would blow out with a small gust of wind."
"That sounds bloody awful," She looked at her brother with weary eyes, "I complain how depressing the castle is, but then I keep forgetting about the lot of you out in the woods, cold and starving."
George pulls her into his warmth and brushes the side of her arms. She always loved these interactions with her brothers, knowing that they would never forget that she was the baby of the family, and they would always be there to comfort her and make her feel safe. "Well, it cannot be worse than being stuck in the cold castle with Romilda Vane." He sniggered.
Ginny let out a small laugh. "You are absolutely right, big brother."
"Your favorite brother." He corrected..
"Like I said, I'll make sure Fleur is as perfect as she is for Bill to come home to her."
"You really are a pain in the ass."
"George, don't tell Fred, but you're the favorite twin." She looked up at him and smiled a genuine smile. A smile that she felt she had not done for months. Something that was genuine, and maybe because her family was back home. For now, it seems as if everything was normal, no war, no deaths. Just her and her family in the castle, all together. And Harry. All of them home and safe, for now, and for now, she's content with the fact that her brother was able to return her simple gesture.
And as they walked back into the castle, she can't help but feel just a bit warmer against the cold winter winds.
I am back with another chapter after not posting for... idk how long... sorry?
After a tragic Valentines Day and one sick "author" later, she wrote 2 chapters... One uploaded today and one in the recent edit!
Please read and review! Tell me any mistakes I made. Your opinions and thoughts are welcomed! (please don't be too mean, i'm sensitive lol) But i hope you lot enjoy my new story!
*Disclaimer! All the characters belong to JK Rowling. I am merely a fan fantasizing about a different setting for her characters. PLEASE don't sue me, i'm doing this for fun and to boost up my creativity!*
*English is not my first language, and I understand there some grammatical errors throughout the story.*