Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.
Chapter 6 – The Candle
Over the months the war roared through Europe. France and Germany had fallen to the darkness. The Order stood on its last legs in Britain when a phoniex flew into Headquarters.
Molly Weasley sat at the kitchen table muling over funeral arrangements for fallen Order members. She looked up when the phoniex flew into the window and almost collapsed in shock when the golden phoniex transformed into her daughter. Before her stood not the little girl who left the Burrow but an enchanting lady grown wise through war.
"Hello Mother." Ginny said once she transformed.
"Ginny." Molly stated in a cruel tone. "So the traitor comes here at last. Tell me did you bring your new father and his troops to burn down what is left of the Order in Britain. Oh I've heard tales of my daughter the great General! And here she comes to bless us with her presence – to lead us to our deaths!"
"Really Mother do you really believe that the your surviving members are alive by accident? Don't you think that I planned everything so that the number of causalities was minimized? Or do you really believe I would plan my own brothers' deaths?" She said as she slide her hand across the parchments on the table knocking into the air.
"Do you want to know why I am here Mother? I am here because Britain is about to fall to the Dark Lord. I am here to save you miserable asses and all you can do is give me grief! Go to Italy Mother. Go to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. That is where their search has led them. They have only found two – hell I found one of them for the Golden Trio! And even with Hermione's brains they haven't been able to figure out how to destroy them. This is your only chance to survive this war Mother. Call a damn meeting and retreat so the Order can survive to fight another day! This is your only chance – Take it!" Ginny shouted with tears in her eyes.
Molly down into her daughter's eyes and said "Burn in Hell, Ginerva."
"If that is your final say in the matter. Good Luck Mother." Ginny burst into flames before her mother's eyes.
Molly sat down at the table and began to cry. Can I trust her? She is my baby she wouldn't kill me! Molly argued in her head. Two minutes later she sent owls to the Order members. A meeting was held in which the members communicated with the Golden Trio threw Sirius's two-way mirrors. They learned that Ginny's information was true in regards to their location. The Order decided to retreat to Italy and regroup from there.
Britain was plunged into Darkness.
--
As Londen burned, flames ignited in the cottage. Severus barely looked up at Ginny's entrance. "You know dear if you keep that up you might just burn the house down." Severus said as he set down his paper. "So I am guessing your warning was not well received?"
"You could say that." Ginny said as she rested her head on Severus's chest.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Severus asked.
"Maybe later." Ginny said with a shrug.
Suddenly soothing music began to play in the room. Ginny looked at Severus with a wistful expression. "How come you always know what I need?"
"Ah, one of my many trade secrets." Severus said with a smirk. "May I have this dance?" Severus asked as he extended his hand to Ginny.
"I'd love to."
"I still remember the first time we danced as if it was yesterday." Severus said with a smile.
Flashback - A week before the Yull Ball – 1994
Ginny waited in the kitchens for Severus. He entered as midnight approached.
"Good evening Ginerva." Severus said as he sat down across from her. He ordered Earl Grey with lemon from one of the house elves. "You looked troubled this evening. What is bothering you?"
"Well…I have a date with Neville Longbottom for the Yull Ball and I can't dance." Ginny said while her voice grew softer to hide her embarassment.
"I am sure you could have done better than Longbottom for an escort." Severus replied
"Yeah well, Neville is a nice boy and the boy who I wanted to ask doesn't even notice me and by the time my darling brother suggested that said boy take me to the dance I had already agreed to be Neville's date. Sure I was his second choice, but I wouldn't have been able to go at all without an invitation from someone older than me so when he asked I jumped on the opportunity." Ginny explained.
"I see." Severus replied.
"So I was wondering if you could teach me how to dance." Ginny said while looking into her hot cocco.
Ginerva looked up at Severus as she heard soft music playing in the room.
"May I have this dance?" Severus asked with a smile on his face as he extended his hand to Ginny.
Ginny smiled as she took to Severus hand. She rose to her feet and looked at Severus with a weak smile.
They danced into the night and when dawn rose Severus walked Ginny back to her tower. As Ginny prepared for her day she marked the steps for the waltz forever engraining the dance into her memory.
Every night leading up to the Yull Ball Severus taught Ginny a new dance. When her big night came around Severus could not help but be jealous of the gryffindor who all their hard work was wasted on.
As Severus and Ginny finished there waltz Severus bent down on one knee. Ginny looked at him questioningly.
"Ginerva, when I met you I thought that I was destined to walk this earth alone. You became my greatest friend and confidant. You have been the candle to guide me through the darkness that I encased myself in and I would consider it an honor if you will light my way for the rest of our lives. Ginny, will you marry me?"
Ginny stood before Severus with tears in her eyes, "Yes, yes, yes a thousand times over – I will marry you!"
Severus slipped the emerald platinum ring onto her finger. He stood up and kissed her soundly. "I love you Ginny."
"I love you too Severus."
--
As Britain fell, the surviving Order members apparated to Florence, Italy where the Golden Trio was searching for the third horacux. They already had Hufflepuff's cup and Gryffindor's armband. They were now searching for book belonging to Rowena Ravenclaw.
Hermione poured over the Dumbledore's instructions by candlelight when the pops sounded. She turned around with her wand drawn and gaped at the sight before her.
"Welcome" Hermione said dumbly.
"Hermione!" Molly cried rushing to embrace the younger witch.
"Molly – air!" Hermione gasped.
"Quite sorry dear. It is just such a relief to see you. I feared Ginny may have been leading us into a trap." Molly said as she released Hermione.
"Ginny told us that your cell may be arriving soon. Come with me. I will introduce you to this cell of the resistance." Hermione said as folded up the parchment and walked down a hallway to guide them to their best hope for survival.