Disclaimer: i do not own the Harry Potter characters, books, etc. Just some of the ideas.
Author's note: Its a bit long. I'm sorry it took so long. I tried to incorporate a lot of the book idea, i hope i did good. Well enjoy, don't be afraid to let me know what you think. Thanks :)
Chapter 9: December
"Ginny," A tiny voice whispered, "Please Ginny wake up." The same voice said with urgency. I wanted to say go away, but I felt too weak. I think it came out as more of a mumble, "Did you hear that?" the voice asked.
"We can't move her yet, until we find out if she's hurt." Another voice commented. I wanted to help them, but my head was throbbing and my body felt like water, "Ginny we don't have much time. We need to get you help." The second voice said in a gentle voice. She was right, I need to get up. Where's all that willpower I always prided myself on having. Slowly I tried to open my eyes and I must say it was not an easy task. It's like they had a mind of their own.
"That's right Ginny, open them slowly." The second voice encouraged. Finally after what felt like forever my eyes opened. At first everything was a blur, until finally slowly my vision cleared.
"Neville? Luna?" I mumbled as I took in their worried looks.
"Thank Merlin!" Neville cried, "Okay how do we get her out of these chains?" Luna just stared at the chains on my wrists for a few seconds before grabbing her wand from its spot behind her ear.
"Relashio" she mumbled. Instantly the pressure on my wrists was relieved.
"Thanks Luna." I said as I touched the marks on my wrists.
"Alright we don't have much time." Neville pointed out, "Can you move?"
"Barely, it hurts" I grunted as I tried to move. I was extremely sore. They looked at each other and in an instant both were on either side of me.
"Okay this may hurt a little, just bear with us okay," Neville stated. All I could do was nod. Both slowly pulled me up by holding onto my arms. It hurt, but it was bearable. With my arms around their necks, they pulled me out of the dark room.
"There you are! They aren't here yet, but I heard they are almost done fixing the portable swamp." Michael Corner said. He stopped completely when he took a good look at me. "What the-"
"Michael this isn't the time! Where's Lavender?" Neville asked.
"She's over by the stairs-"
"Okay come on then, we need to get out of here" Neville said pushing passed Michael. Neville and Luna pulled me towards the stairs. It felt like years had passed until we finally got to the hospital wing.
"Oh my, the girls weren't kidding." Madame Pomfrey said, "Put her on the bed." She ordered, "Girls come here. I need you to get me a sleeping draught, some cruciatus aftereffects potion, and pain relieving potion." Parvati and Padma nodded before running to go get the potions, "Alright let's heal some of these scratches now."
"will she be okay?" Michael asked
"Yes, alright Mr. Corner you may return to your dormitory before you are found."
"I'll go with him," Luna said, "I'll be back in the morning" she added as she followed Michael out the room.
~HP~HP~HP~HP~
"Morning Miss Weasley" Madame Pomfrey said as I dressed, "Here take this" she handed me a potion. "It's just a pepper up potion," I was still a bit sore, but felt better than yesterday.
"Thanks Madame Pomfrey, I don't know what I'd do without you." I said hugging her softly.
"You take care, there's not much more I can do for you and I have a feeling I won't be around to help you soon."
"What do-"
"Miss Weasley, the Carrows won't keep torturing you only to have me heal you right after. You need to start teaching the students how to heal. The Patil's are good for beginners, so I would suggest studying with them." She advised. I nodded before leaving, trying to take in everything she was saying.
"Ginny! I was just coming to get you!" Neville said out of breath breaking me out of my thoughts, "How are you feeling? Do you need my help?"
"Neville! I'm fine, thanks to the help of all of you. It was extremely crazy of you and if the Carrow's find out then you all will be in so much trouble, but thanks." I smiled. It felt nice to have friends who would risk harsh punishment just to rescue me, out of all people.
"It was nothing, I mean we couldn't leave you there" he blushed, "Actually I wanted to talk to you about something." He said as we walked, "Umm its just, the Carrow's seem to pick on you a lot because you and –er Harry dated. I was just wondering, if you could well- if you would lay low for a little while." He stuttered.
"Wait…you want me to quit the DA?"
"NO!" He practically yelled, "I just think you should try not to get yourself known enough to land into detention," He advised.
"Neville, I can't I promise that. The Carrow's pick on me for a reason. They were just mad about the ministry break in." I said. Neville looked really upset, "Look all I can promise is that I won't do anything crazy enough like make outbursts. How does that sound?" I asked. His face brightened up.
"Perfect" Neville said with a small smile.
"So is the meeting still going on" I asked with a wide smile.
"You sure you are up for it? I mean you could always rest" Neville asked warily
"I'll sleep when I'm old" I replied as we changed course and headed towards the room of requirement.
"Hey guys" I said to the group of students who were currently training.
"Ginny, you're okay!" Demelza cried as she hugged me fiercely. The DA had been practicing their training when Neville and I walked in, "We were all so worried when you never showed up at the tower with everyone else." Demelza practically sobbed.
"It's okay, I am fine." I smiled.
"Really? You look tired. Why is your lip swollen?" She asked angrily. I walked to the front of the room without answering her.
"Everyone, I understand that some of you may have been worried. I just want to thank you all for caring." I said heartfelt, "The Carrow's instilled their newest punishment on me. Thanks to the help of most of our older DA I was freed. This is no joke, we are at war. We proved that acting as a team and family is important. So now is our time. I think we have some new tasks for the DA, but only for those 16 and older. The rest of you will start taking healing classes with us and of course keep up with your training." I said.
"Why can't we help?" A younger student asked.
"It is too dangerous. We are able to stand through these curses and I don't want you to go through what we have." I finished.
~HP~HP~HP~HP~
As December came, so did the snowfall. The grounds of Hogwarts were completely under a blanket of beautiful white snow. I couldn't help but revel in the pureness of the snow. It could make me forget about the world and only think of all the fun snowball fights that my brothers and I had. It was sad to barely see any groups of friends playing. Most of the people outside were in groups of 3 or less, for fear of being accused of being a part of a group. The sad part is Christmas break was approaching and no one was in the Christmas spirit.
Within the past weeks the DA had been getting stronger. The Carrow's had tried to find a way to yell at me for somehow escaping, but in the end just gave in to goading me 24/7. The DA was planning its first rescue mission; detention. I of course talked my way into being a part of it. The Carrow's had stopped teaching crucio for now and started on different kinds of dark magic. From what Neville's class told me, they have started the same kind of lessons, but more advanced. Neville told me about the fiendfyre's that Professor Carrow seemed so intent on teaching, it all just sounds surreal.
"Ginny look," One of the younger boys from the DA called out from afar. A few students were gathered around something, it looked like a magazine. Oh please, don't tell me it is rumors about Harry. Instead to my astonishment they were holding a Quibbler. On the front cover was a friendly picture of Harry, compared to the serious one of him on his undesirable number 1 poster.
Support Harry Potter, the Wizarding Worlds savior, was written below the cover.
"Could I see this?" I asked hesitantly, my eyes staring at his emerald through the picture.
"Sure, you could keep it actually, Luna has tons" He stated handing me the copy. It was in great condition. I put it in my rucksack and walked away, excited about my new poster. Together we all walked back inside for dinner. Its like my Christmas spirit was slowly returning, of course on to be shortlived.
"It has come to our attention that a magazine called the Quibbler has been posting ridiculous statements about helping Harry Potter and overall has been encouraging rebellious behavior. It is banned, if anyone is caught with a Quibbler, then it is an immediate detention." Snape said to the great hall before sitting down. Immediately whispers circulated and all eyes were on Luna, including the Carrows.
~HP~HP~HP~HP~
Well of course, Neville and I had detention. We were spotted near the DA paintings on the wall and were accused of painting them.
"Well look its our favorite students back for detention." Alecto snarled, "Well you are going to love this, we have a new form of detention. Apparently our old ones weren't working and since none of you are efficient in using crucio, we figured what better way to learn than through detention."
"The only way you get to leave this room is if you use crucio on your partner. Since only two of you are of 6 or 7th level then only you two must perform the curse. So let's see…ah yes Miss Weasley you may perform the curse upon Mr. Longbottom" Alecto laughed.
"What? I am not performing the curse on Neville" I yelled angrily.
"Watch your tone young lady. You will do what you are told." Amycus yelled.
"Ginny" Neville said shaking his head.
"I won't do it. You're my friend" I said more to him.
"Just do it" he said warily, closing his eyes.
"NO!" I yelled, "There is no way you are making me do this" I protested
"Oh we have our ways. Amycus I think its about time we show these Gryffindors who runs this school"
Suddenly everything felt…brilliant. All my troubles and stresses were gone.
"Just do it. Use Crucio come on" a voice told me. I wanted to please this voice. I should just use crucio. Everything will be easier if I do. Wait no! I can't, its against everything I stand for.
"No use fighting, you know you can do it. It will all be over if you do." But I don't want to use crucio. Its such a painful curse.
"It wont be so bad Ginny, just do it" I will- no I cant! I argued.
"I said do it now!" The voice roared, killing all the will I could muster to disobey it.
"Crucio!" I yelled. The curse hit Neville right in the chest making him fall. It was over within seconds, but still the pain was there. His face twisted in the worst kind of pain, betrayal. Part of me wanted to cry, how could I be so weak?
"ahh good. Maybe this will teach you to obey orders when they are given." Amycus sneered, "You may go" Neville was already getting up, so I went to help him.
"I'm fine," He snapped, catching me off guard. Neville never snapped at any of the DA members, especially me.
"Neville-" I whispered
"Ginny, I'm sorry-" Neville cut me off.
"No, Neville I'm sorry, I couldn't-" I could barely say anything, all my emotions were ready to explode. Instead I ran, unable to look at him any longer. How could I hurt my friend like that?
~HP~HP~HP~HP~
Days passed and I had barely spoken to Neville or Luna. The next DA meeting would be today and I wished for the first time that I were not one of the leaders. What could I say to them? I failed, I used the curse and to make it worse, I used it on Neville. The betrayal that showed on his face was the worst look anyone has ever given me. I sat in my spot, enjoying the peaceful feeling the snow brought. My tree was all branches, void of any leaves and the lake frozen, but it still brought forth the same warmth I longed for. I could sit here under this very tree for hours. I still can't get the look on Neville's face out of my head.
"So this is where you always are" a voice said from behind me, breaking my train of thought.
"Neville-" I started only to be cut off.
"No Ginny, you need to listen." Neville said blocking my path, "You can't keep running from me."
"I can try" I mumbled.
"Look what happened during detention" he said a bit out of breath, "I don't blame you for it." He said, astonishing me. Here I thought he was going to yell at me and tell me that I'm not worthy of being a leader of the DA.
"Neville, I hurt you. That's inexcusable. I used an unforgiveable curse that causes more pain on you then ever. Having your enemies use it on you is one thing, but your so-called friend. I am so sorry I caused you that kind of pain," I said with small tears falling down my cheeks.
"Ginny, it wasn't your fault and I'm sorry for snapping at you. It actually wasn't that bad, you throw a pretty weak crucio." He joked.
"How can you stand there and laugh about this? I was so weak, I can't imagine what everyone must think."
"You weren't weak. Ginny you fought an imperious curse for so long and you came so close to defying them. The only person I ever saw do that was Harry. You are strong, so never doubt that!" Neville said softly as tears continued to flow down my cheeks, "Trust me Ginny, we're practically family. Let me, well us help you. You need to trust in us, all of us." Neville said pulling me into a hug, as I cried. I cried for the pain I caused him, the torture that all of us had to endure, and most of all for Harry. All the emotions I held in came out. By the time I was done, Neville's jacket was completely soaked, but I felt better.
"You feel better?" He asked.
"Surprisingly, I do" I smiled. My heart felt lighter and my head was not hurting as much.
"Good because we have a meeting soon." Neville pointed out. '
"Neville, I don't think I'm ready"
"Nonsense." He said pulling me, "Plus we need you, no matter what you think" He laughed, guiding me inside to the staircase.
We walked into the room of Requirement to see Luna, standing in the front of the group explaining something. Uh oh.
"Oh Ginny, Neville you're here. That's good" Luna said as she noticed us walk in. Everyone turned around to stare at us, with looks of relief.
"Its all yours," Neville said pushing me towards the front of the room.
I don't think I've ever felt this nervous in front of the DA before.
"Hey" was all I could think to say. Suddenly everyone was clapping and cheering me on. It brought tears to my eyes, Neville was right I should trust the DA.
"Ginny, it's okay, but is it true you almost fought off the imperious curse?" A younger member named William asked.
"Yes, but-"
"Oh my! That's amazing!" He replied anxiously.
"Thanks-"
"To Ginny, Luna and Neville, our fearless leaders" Someone in the crowd shouted.
"No" I yelled over everyone, "To the DA, a family away from home" I said with small tears.
"here, here!" People shouted. For once I didn't feel alone.
The door opened only to reveal Terry Boot, holding onto someone. The guy looked pretty beaten up.
"Terry what's going on?" I asked
"Michael Corner, i- I just found him. He was limping towards the stairs. I didn't know what else to do" Terry stuttered.
"Terry, its okay you've done nothing wrong. Parvati, Padma help me out here" I shouted as we rushed over to look at him. His face looked like a really angry person, or a group had beaten him. I needed some cloth and a pain-relieving potion immediately. Suddenly those very items appeared right before me, along with a book on healing. Merlin, I loved this room. Slowly we got to work on him, healing his cuts and wiping the blood.
"Ginny" he whispered, surprising all of us, "I- I'm sorry, I shouldn't have gone there on my own."
"Shh its okay, im sure whatever it is, it will be fine." I comforted.
"No, I had to help him, he was my friend. They locked him up in that horrid room. He was only a second year. I had to help him! He was terrified. I got him out of there, but they caught me." He said with a low voice.
"Wait- the Carrows did this?" I asked
"Yes" Michael said. Neville and I caught each other's eye, both saying the same thing. Maybe rescuing the detention students was not the best idea. Most of the DA looked shaken up.
~HP~HP~HP~HP~
It had been a week since the Michael incident and although we did reprimand it for doing it on his own, it did set a good warning. Now it was the time of the year we were all excited for, Christmas Break! All the girls were packing, all excited to go home and see their family. I had to admit, leaving this place sounded amazing, even if it were only for 2 weeks.
"Come on Ginny, we have to catch the train!" Demelza yelled excitedly. We walked down the stairs to the common area only to see Neville waiting for us.
"Hey ladies, you ready?" he asked, he too was wearing a large grin on his face.
"Yes, excited to see your grandma?" I asked
"More excited to be out of here" He replied
"I couldn't agree more" I replied with a smile.
We took the carriages and walked to the train.
"Where's Luna?" I asked. I thought for sure she would be here already.
"I dunno" Neville replied with a worried look. It wasn't a big secret that the Carrow's have been looking at her oddly lately.
"I'm going to put my trunk away and then look for her,"
"Alright I'll help" he replied following me.
Each compartment contained students, but none with Luna.
"Any luck?" I asked as Neville and I met up.
"No, unless ending up in a compartment full of excited Slytherins is luck."
"I'm talking about Luna!"
"Oh right- no I didn't see her anywhere"
we walked back to our compartment in confusion. Did she miss the train?
"Ginny" Neville said, "Look" he was pointing to a note in the compartment. It was on top of a Quibbler.
This is what happens when one defies our lord. Don't worry she will be fine for now. You can be next if you keep defying us. Just wait and see.
Carrows,
Authors note: So next chapter will be Christmas break.