Chapter 4
Hey guys, Thanks for the reviews so far! I'm trying to get these updates up on friday/weekend but I've got a case of the flu and so I'm not moving so fast. I'm quite sorry Dristi for leaving off at the good parts, but it keeps you coming back to read right? But onto the story.
Moving quickly, the Ginny jumped backwards. Losing her footing, she slid backwards, the wall stopping her with a loud thud. At her feet rested a white letter, pure and pristine against the darkness of the bird. Catching her breath, she closed her eyes and gripped the letter to her chest.
"What the hell was that!" Sirius cried as he rushed toward Ginny, her face contorted in a pain filled grimace. "You alright?"
Closing her eyes, Ginny clutched at her wand inside her robes. "Head hurts," she muttered softly as she glanced down at the letter in her hand. Adressed to her, she sighed. Who could be sending her a letter? "Just need some help getting up."
"Oh yeah, here." Sirius muttered as he pullled Ginny up to her feet. Holding her steady for a moment, turned to Remus. "What was that man?"
Remus shrugged as he reached for Ginny's other arm. Hoisting her up, on his shoulder, he motioned for Sirius to move. "Come on, we've got to get her to the Hospital Wing. She'll have some pretty bad bruises I want Madame Pomfrey to look at."
Ginny shook her head urgently, as dizziness washed over her. Sinking to the floor, she clung to the two boys who held her upright. 'No hospital please."
"We're taking you there no matter what, so stop fighting it. Let's get going before Lily finds us and give me another speech about how I must set a good example." Chuckling, James started off, Peter trailing behind him and Ginny's escort taking up the rear.
The ascent to the fourth floor was tedious, a slow and painful journey filled with multiple rests and change in escorts. Embarassed, Ginny willed herslelf not to whimper in pain as she held herself up against a wall. Head throbbing, she closed her eyes, her thoughts drifting toward the future, her present, and what was happening. They would be missing her, blaming themselves, for what she was doing, but it wasn't their fault.
"What's going on here? Potter? Is that you? Sirius, Remus, Peter? You boys should be setting an example to the young students not wandering around in the dark! How many ties must I tell you that!" The sound of Lily's voice resonated through the stone chamber, unafraid of masking her annoyance and anger. "And who is that? Who else have you gotten to join your little group? Don't tell me it's a first year because if it is, I'll have your ears boxed and Dumbledore will be hearing about this!"
"Calm down Lily, We're taking her to the Hospital Wing. She was attacked by...what was it Moony, a giant bird?"
"I don't care what-wait, she? Attacked? Is she alright? Oh my, come on, we've got to get you to the hosptial wing right away. Madame Pomfrey will fix you up right away. My name's Lily Evans, I'm so sorry for treating you like that, its just Potter and his little gang are usually stalking around in the night getting into trouble."
Ginny smiled softly. "It's alright, they were just trying to help me out. My name's Ginny Dippet" Her voice came out as barely a whisper, her hand sliding to the sealed envelop in her pocket. "I just got some bruises, that's all."
Lily nodded, her red hair framing her face with perfection. Her emerald green eyes beckoned welcoming as she smiled widely. Small bunches of freckles dusted her pale complexion, their soft red adding to her beauty. "Here, lean on me, We're almost there anyway."
The walk was slow, but steady as Ginny hobbled across the fourth floor landing and down the dimly lit hallways. A sterile smell hit her nose, putrid and dizzying as she fought to remain calm. Death was always sterile, the smell of antibiotics and healing potions, the smell of tears and accusations, the smell of guilt and shame. Her body refused to move forward, as her legs buckled. Eyes rolling back into her head, she fell limp on Lily's shoulder.
"A little help here!" Lily called as she slid to the floor unaccustomed to the weight change.
Moving quickly, Remus moved to grab them before they hit the ground. Balancing Lily with his hand, he let Ginny slide into his embrace. Pushing her forward, he balanced her weight easily in his arms. "Come on, I've got her." he said as he readjusted her once more.
The hospital wing was lighted by a single chandelier stationed in the center of the ceiling. Cots were set up in the shape of a T, some horizontal, while others remained vertical. Madame Pomfrey sat quietly in the back of the room, papers scattered across her desk.
"Excuse me," Remus said, as he slowly placed Ginny on the bed. "We've had an accident."
Rising, Madame Pomfrey wiped her eyes and similed lazily. "An accident? What have you boys done this time? Miss Evans? Whats going on?"
James spoke up quickly as he ran his hand through his messy hair. "She was attacked by a bird. A giant bird?"
"Now, Mr. Potter, this is not a laughing matter. How was miss...how was this young woman injured?"
"It's true,"Remus put in, his hazel eyes falling to the floor in despair. "I saw it. It was a giant raven, black as midnight, like something you'd read about. Beady red eyes, sharp beak, I think it clipped her in the shoulder."
Snapping out of her daze, Madame Pomfrey dropped her smile into a frown. "You lot better clear out. We'll have to keep her here overnight just to make sure nothing is terribly wrong with her. Mr. Potter, Miss Evans will you go get Professor Dumbledore. I do believe he needs to be here. The rest of you go back to your dorms."
"Can I stay with her?" Remus asked quietly, his intent still uncertain to even him.
"No, I can't allow that Mr. Lupin but I'll be sure to let you see her in the morning. I do believe she's waking. Please go now."
The gang nodded silently as the walked through the large doors and through the hallway. One they had left, Madame Pomfrey turned back toward Ginny. "Are you alright dear? You look as if you've seen a ghost. May I ask your name? I haven't seen you here before."
"Ginny Weasley," She whispered as she fell back sleep.
Fast asleep, Ginny did not notice the headmaster walk through the doors, nor did she realize she was being watched, or that his eyes were no longer sparkling from behind his crescent shaped glasses. Yawning, Ginny awoke slowly, before rolling over. Sitting up, she pushed her hair from her eyes casually. "Professor?" she asked as she caught his eyes.
"My dear, I would like to ask you who you are and what has happened that you should be attacked the a black raven, but I highly doubt you will tell me and so I will remain quiet. I would like to you to know that whatever you do say to me is confidential. I will never tell another soul. Do you understand?" Ginny nodded. He was playing diplomat.
"But please, do answer a few questions for me, to the best of your abilities. To be honest, I am wary of you child and I don't want to be. So please, can you tell me what is your real name? Is it Weasley or is it Dippet?"
Sighing, Ginny rubbed her head slowly. If she told anyone, she would mess the future up, but it was Dumbledore she was talking to and besides that, being here was already messing things up. "My name is Ginevra Weasley and I'm from the future where I have made some mistakes...and well, the other stuff...but you wanted me to come back and fix things so I'm here. I understand why you don't trust me, I just can't-" she broke off as tears slid from her eyes before pooling at her lips.
"You don't want to make things worse? I understand that, Miss Weasley. I also understand your need for privacy. I would suggest you go by Dippet while you are here. If you need any advice or help, please remember I am here for you. I have faith in you, my dear child, I just have to make sure. You do understand don't you?' Ginny Nodded once more, unable to speak. "Good then I'll be off and let you sleep."
"Goodbye Professor," she said as she let herself lie back down. Reaching under her pillow, Ginny grabbed the brittle letter she'd received. Ripping it open, she unfolded the note slowly.
You follow directions well ,young one. My plan is working now that you are here Join me in my conquest.
Fear welled inside of her as she felt the letter burn in her fingers. The black Raven, You-Know-Who, He -Who-Must-Not-Be-Named...Voldemort.
