Some of you might remember that this is an old story with new twists. When I originally wrote it a friend of mine was under going treatment for cancer. Then before I could finish she lost the battle. That was two years ago on the fourteenth. So to mark the anniversary (a few days late I know) I'm dedicating this chapter to her memory.

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning's hush
I'll be the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

(Katie; 14/08/04 RIP)

Eleven Years Later

Ginny closed the door to the hospital wing nearly three hours after she had entered it. A smile was spread over her face as Luna held her arm tightly. Apparently it was time for dinner and Luna had decided that Ginny would be joining them.

Ginny's stomach was in knots at the thought of it. How was she going to cope going down to the Great Hall and facing everyone. Not that there were many people for her to face though. The only person left that she had known was Neville. What would he say to seeing her? Would he accept the truth? Then what about that Renee woman? Would she tell Fleur before Ginny had a chance to speak to Bill?

"Luna maybe I shouldn't."

"Nonsense. You just told me you're hungry."

"Yes but …"

"Ginny you're having dinner with me whether you like it or not!"

That seemed to end the conversation. With a fluttering feeling in her stomach Ginny slowly walked behind her friend. The marble stairs came into view too soon for her liking. They moved down it and faced the large wooden doors into the Great Hall. They were open and noise echoed from inside.

"Come on Gin."

Luna pulled her through into the hall. Nobody looked at them and she was thankful for that. There seemed to be more students than she thought possible. Wouldn't parents have pulled them out now the war was in full swing? But then she remembered Hermione telling her about all the Aurors. This was probably one of the safest places to be.

They walked between the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor tables. Ginny's eyes moved to the students and her heart yearned to be sat with them. It seemed now like such a simple time back then. Alright there were problems but nothing felt as bad as it did now.

"Mum!"

They reached the end of the tables and spotted Ralph and Alysia sat at the Gryffindor table.

"Ralph keep your mouth closed when you're eating."

"Wait this is your son?"

Ginny smiled at her friend.

"Luna I'd like you to met my son Ralph and my daughter Alysia."

"She looks just like you Gin. Well except for her grey eyes and blonde bits in her hair. But he's the spit of Draco."

Ginny nodded at her children.

"Are you one of our Aunts?"

"No Ralph I'm Luna. I'm friends with your mum."

With that Luna had Ginny's arm again and she was guided up to the staff table. Ginny couldn't help but feel like a rabbit in headlights. The entire hall had suddenly lost its noise as she stood there next to Luna. All the staff were watching her. She didn't recognise any as her own professors with the exception being Slughorn.

"Yo Gin plonk your behind in the chair next to me."

George was hitting the chair next to him with what she guessed was excitement. Moving along she sat down and jumped straight back up. Turning to look her mouth dropped open.

"George!"

"Invisible pin cushion. Latest invention what you think?"

"I thought you'd grown up!"

"And what gave you that idea?"

She raised an eyebrow as she fumbled on the chair trying to locate the invisible object. She was aware that all eyes were still on her but she didn't care. She found the object and picked it up throwing it at her brother.

"I thought maybe you'd like to keep it."

"Why so I can put it on your chair before breakfast."

George laughed slamming his fist onto the table.

"Same little sister."

Ginny was about to sit down again just as Slughorn stood up clearing his throat.

"Okay everybody allow me to introduce our newest member of staff. The lovely lady about to sit is Professor Ginny Weasley and she'll be taking over Transfiguration from September. Please everyone lets give her a proper Hogwarts welcome."

Claps echoed through the hall but Ginny could hear whispers. The word Weasley was flying through the hall and she looked at her brother who shrugged. Maybe they were making the connection to George. Perhaps they thought that the two were married. Or had they heard the tale of her life. Anyone related to the Death Eaters probably had.

As she finally lowered herself into the seat her eyes moved to the Slytherin table. The weedy young Nott had his eyes closely on her. Ginny would bet all the Malfoy wealth that he knew the truth. Her heart started to beat quicker as she realised it was only time until Voldemort would know of her return. This couldn't be good.

"Gin are you even listening?"

"What? Oh sorry George."

"I said that I'm going round to the shop tomorrow after this lot get on the train."

"That's nice."

"Fred will be there."

"You think I should go see him."

"You'll need to face the entire family. And sooner rather than later."

"But I thought I should go see mum and dad tomorrow."

"Nice idea. Fred first."

"Why?"

"Because I know!"

"So?"

"I can't keep something like this from Fred for more than a minute and you know it. You have to go see Fred first unless you want me to tell him."

"But –"

"But nothing it's sorted."

Ginny watched as the man stabbed at his mash potato slamming a fork full into his mouth. He chewed happily smiling at her. All she could do was shake her head as she dropped it onto his shoulder.

"Do you think its going to be difficult to explain things to everyone?"

"Maybe. But then again maybe not."

"What?"

"Well I'll be with you when you tell Fred. I'll make sure that he doesn't go too over the top. I mean we can't have him kill you before you see the folks."

"Thanks George."

"You're welcome. You going to eat that?"

She hadn't replied but he still stuck his fork into the sausage on her plate and ate it. She was too use to this to react.

"Excuse me, but are you Weasley?"

Ginny turned and saw a tall woman with black hair and sparkling blue eyes. She was smiling kindly at her.

"Yes and you are?"

"Renee Arbre I do charms. You be Ginny?"

"Yes. Are you Fleur's friend?"

"Oui. I believed that Slughorn had named you wrong. Fleur tells that you dead."

"Renee Fleur has been misinformed. But for now can you not tell her that you've seen Ginny."

"But George pourquoi?"

"That's a long story Renee. How about I tell you over boissons?"

"Boissons?"

"Ginny shh."

Ginny's mouth hung slightly open as George waved a hand at her. She had never heard him speak anything but English before. To hear odd words in French was a surprise. She couldn't help but wonder what he was saying.

"Oui. Come to my office for huit heures."

"Oui ma belle fleur."

Ginny just about stopped herself from laughing as she noticed the woman blush. Her brother just smiled as the French lady walked away. Ginny shared a look with him and he grinned.

"I've got a date with Renee! I've got to get ready. See you in the morning."

He was gone before she could ask him what had been said. She wanted to know where he had learnt French and what was going on with him and Renee. Shaking her head she picked up her goblet and took a sip.

Next to her she heard someone clear their throat. Looking up she saw a man who had once been part of her life.

"I think we need to talk…"

-

Just for the record boissons means drinks.