Ginny made her way down to lunch with Demelza, Seamus, Neville, Luna, Dean and McLaggen. They were all feeling a bit subdued after McGonagall's announcement about the school possibly closing for good. Luna whispered nervously, "What would happen? Where would we go? Half of us didn't get to finish a proper seventh year." Neville murmured in response, "It's a bit worrying, isn't it? You and Dean both need to finish. I somehow don't feel like they can just chuck us all out with no back-up plan whatsoever." McLaggen surprised Ginny when he said, "And we wouldn't finish with each other either." He had voiced something they all had thought and Ginny shuddered, "I don't want to think about it. Let's just hope they decided to keep the school open."
They arrived in the Great Hall and it was packed with students already, all wanting to hear from Harry, Ron and Hermione. Fred, George and Bill were already seated at the Gryffindor table and so Ginny went to go and sit with them, her friends joining her. Her parents sat on the other side of the twins. Ginny sat beside Fred, "I'm guessing they haven't spoken yet?" Fred shook his head, "Nope, but they are behind that door where Harry went in fourth year after his name came out of the goblet." Ginny nodded and Luna said wistfully, "Do you think they'll return to school?" George responded, "Why wouldn't they?" Luna shrugged and replied carefully, "Well, Harry killed Voldemort. Why would he need to? He'll have every job opportunity open to him now. I doubt he'll need to finish his education."
Ginny hadn't even considered that. She felt a jolt go through her and she couldn't imagine Harry not being at school with them if they did have to repeat their sixth year. She whispered tiredly, "I hadn't thought about it." Neville shrugged and said, "He can do what he wants I suppose. Who's stopping him? Nobody has ever been able to." Ginny felt a little sting at his words and she wasn't sure why. Maybe it's because she couldn't stop him walking to his death, even though she was right there. She helped herself to a sandwich or two, but she didn't feel like eating much. What Neville said was true. Nobody could stop Harry doing what he wanted.
Once everyone had filed into the hall, Professor McGonagall took to the stand. The room immediately became hushed in silence and the professor said carefully, "Firstly, I would like to thank each and every one of you who fought in the battle the other night. You did a very brave and loyal thing. Protecting the school the way in which you did- risking your lives- means the world to me, as it would have to Professor Dumbledore." There was silence and McGonagall continued, "And now, the three people who have been off trying to figure out how to destroy Voldemort this last year would like to say a few words. I ask everyone not to ask them questions please. They would prefer to keep the details to themselves. Mr Harry Potter, Mr Ronald Weasley, and Miss Hermione Granger."
The three walked out of the side door behind the platform and the entire hall began clapping, like they were celebrities or something. Fred and George glanced at each other and rolled their eyes. George asked his brother with a smirk, "How long do you reckon before Ron gets a big head from all of the fame." Bill rolled his eyes but otherwise said nothing.
Harry was the first to the stand and when he spoke, everyone sat to attention. It was ridiculous the amount of respect people had for him. Romilda, who was several tables down, was blinking at him with wide, awestruck eyes- like she'd never seen him before. Ginny couldn't help but rolled her eyes such an obvious display of adoration. Demelza laughed and whispered, "Check Romilda's expression! Like a lost puppy dog!" Ginny rolled her eyes too, "I know! I was just thinking the same thing!"
Harry said clearly, "Hi everyone. I don't want to make this a long speech, because I'm sorry but Ron, Hermione and I think its best that some of the details of the last year stay between us and those closest to me. We think it's risky for people to know too much." There were a few heads nodding here and there in understanding, but most people looked disappointed. Romilda's face dropped into a pout. Harry continued, "And now I would just like to take the time to mention that if it weren't for Professor Dumbledore, I wouldn't have been able to do the things I did. He was the brains behind the whole mission. I was just the puppet. Severus Snape was also in on it…" Here, there was a hushed whisper which rippled around the hall. Harry swallowed and continued, "I am personally working on forgiving Professor Snape for all of his misdemeanors, and I humbly ask and encourage everyone else to do the same."
There was some dissatisfied rumblings from the crowd, but Harry swiftly continued, "The two other people I'd like to thank are Ron and Hermione. If it weren't for them…I wouldn't have been alive today. They both saved my life in the last few months. They deserve more credit than everyone might think." There was a round of wild applause for Ron and Hermione. Ron beamed and waved and Hermione blushed in embarrassment. Harry whispered throatily, "And there's one more person I'd like to thank. Ginny…" he slowed his pace in his speech and Ginny felt her muscles lock in place. She didn't think he'd mention her. She watched him cautiously and he whispered, "I know I put you through pain and suffering this year. You and your whole family. I'm deeply sorry for my actions and I hope you can find it in you to forgive me. It may not be right now and that's fine, but I hope it may be sometime in the future. I want to thank you, and your family for always loving and caring for me as one of their own. You'll never understand how much that truly means to me…" Harry stared at her with such an intensity that Ginny felt blush rising to her cheeks. She felt butterflies flutter like they were desperate to escape in the pit of her stomach. She knew all eyes were on her and she noticed Romilda Vane glance at her with insane jealousy. It made her feel a little self-satisfied.
Harry continued seriously, "And now I'd like to thank all of you. You fought on behalf of one of the few places I've ever called a home for me and everyone else. You gave me the time I needed to finalize a few last things that we needed to help finish Voldemort for good. I still can't believe he is gone. But in reality, that wouldn't have happened without all of you. And to those who sacrificed their lives…"
Harry became all choked up. Ginny watched as he swallowed hard and fought back tears. She was truly impressed with him. He had come such a long way, for someone who never used to show public emotions. He fought with himself emotionally, and at one point he ducked his head so he was staring at the podium in front of him. Hermione reached out and rubbed his arm in comfort. Ginny knew she shouldn't, but she felt a little envious that Hermione was the one doing that, and not her.
She scowled a little and Fred noticed, "What's up, sis? Green-eyed monster got your tongue?" Ginny glared at him and clenched her fists in frustration. Bill quickly intervened, "Fred, stop being an insensitive jackass." She gave Bill a small smile in thanks.
Harry pulled himself together and he smiled at Hermione in appreciation, "Sorry about that. Anyway, the point is we are incredibly grateful. To those who sacrificed their lives, and I'd like to name a few specifically- Percy Weasley, Tonks Lupin and Remus Lupin, Colin Creevey, Lavender Brown and there are countless others, you will never be forgotten as some of the bravest people in Hogwarts History. I will never forget the price you paid to spare me a little extra time, and for that I will be eternally grateful. You will never be forgotten. Thank you."
Harry stepped backwards and a mass of applause went up and people ended up standing in admiration. Even some members of Slytherin house began applauding for Harry. He looked shocked, and she could see the surprise in his eyes. He hadn't been expecting this reaction…not at all. Hermione hugged him and then took to the stand. Everyone remained standing as she said, "Hi everyone, well Harry basically covered everything. I don't have much more to say except thank you for all of you sacrifices while we were away, and when we came back. I know it wasn't easy while we were gone…" here, she looked directly at Ginny before continuing, "But I commend you for standing your ground and persevering with life in the best way possible. Thank you all." There was more applause and then Ron stepped forward.
He looked a little nervous and he said to everyone, "I basically am echoing the same thing Harry said. But…" He swallowed and then looked in the direction of the Gryffindor table, "I just want to commend Neville, my sister, and Colin Creevey for holding the fort here at Hogwarts while we were gone. They resisted more than anyone else I know and for that, I am truly grateful. Thank you for keeping Dumbledore's Army alive."
There was a loud round of applause at this and Ginny found herself to be blushing. Demelza squeezed her tightly and then Harry, Ron and Hermione trooped off the stage. McGongall let the crowd clap and applaud for a minute, but then she resumed control of the audience. She said sternly, "Alright everyone settle down now. I've got some news for you that I think you've all been waiting for."
Harry, Ron and Hermione came and sat down at the Gryffindor table. They sat beside Bill, and opposite her parents. Her mother whispered to him, "Thanks Harry. That was very brave of you." He smiled and nodded, "It's the least I could do…" he said. McGonagall said swiftly, "You've all been wanting to know about the future of Hogwarts. What will happen next? Well I'm pleased to announce that the school will be opening again in September this year!"
There was a loud whooping noise from most of those in the hall. The excitement was infectious and Ginny couldn't help but smile! She looked forward to a Carrow-free year this year and she knew she needed to complete school. Her mother wouldn't give her any other option, especially if Ron decided he didn't want to finish. He might very well follow in Fred and George's footsteps.
McGonagall smiled at everyone who was clapping and gestured with her hands, "Alright, everyone simmer down now. We have not yet ironed out all the details, but we know that that is the plan. We will be needing some new staff members, and a director of how to go about rebuilding the school. Kingsley Shacklebolt, the temporary Minister of Magic, will be discussing these matters at the ministry within the next few weeks. The following events will occur in the next two days. Tomorrow you may spend the day relaxing with friends and family before school is over for the year. On Tuesday morning there will be a wake for friends and family of all those who lost their lives. It will be held down by the lake and then everyone will return to the castle for lunch in the Great Hall. Everyone should have their bags packed and ready by then as the train will be leaving at two o clock to take everyone back to King's Cross Station. All families have been notified of the school's immediate and effective closing."
There was silence as McGonagall finished. Everyone had sat back down now and Ginny sighed .It was truly sad that the year was ending off in such a morbid manner. She supposed she shouldn't have suspected anything less. McGonagall nodded and said, "With that news, everyone may please tuck in." The food appeared before them and Ginny still wasn't having much of an appetite, but she ate to keep her family happy. She knew her mother would notice if she didn't eat anything.
She had two sandwich quarters and some salad. When the meal was done, Ginny decided to go for a walk with Demelza. They were just walking over the bridge towards the lake when she felt someone drag her by the sleeve sideways. She gasped and then she came face to face with none other than Malfoy. He was paler than she'd ever seen him, and thin too. But a bit of his old self had come back. He smirked at her surprise, and Demelza glared at him, "Traitor! What are you doing here?!" She hissed. Malfoy rolled his eyes, "Calm yourself, Robins. I need to speak to Ginny." It was one of the few times he had called her by name and not "Weaselette."
Ginny turned to her friend, who was positively seething, with her hands on her hips. She whispered, "Demelza, it's alright. I promise. He won't hurt me." Demelza looked at her disbelievingly and huffed, "Fine, I'm going back to the castle. If you're not back in fifteen minutes, I'm sending out a search party." Ginny nodded and smiled in gratitude. Demelza did not return the smile as she huffed off.
Malfoy smirked at Ginny, but then his smile died as he saw the seriousness of her expression, "What are you doing here? She's right you know. You could get yourself in serious trouble!" Draco said slowly, "I know…I just wanted to see that you're ok." Ginny smiled weakly, "As ok as ok can be I guess. Harry, Ron and Hermione suspect something happened between us. I haven't told them what though." Malfoy's eyebrows shot up in alarm, "Good! Keep it that way!" Ginny frowned and asked, "Why? I will have to tell Harry at some point…"
Malfoy glared at her and sneered, "Don't even think on it, Weasley. How do you think your precious boyfriend will react if he finds out we…we…" Ginny smirked because he couldn't say it, "Kissed? I know how he'll react. He'll be mad. It's why I haven't told him yet." Draco muttered, "And you better not either. He'll have more motive than he already does to kill me." Ginny sighed and groaned, "If he wanted to kill you, don't you think he would have already done so by now?" She raised an eyebrow at him, but Draco didn't seem to find it funny.
He huffed, "I also came because there are rumour's that he…that he…" Ginny raised an eyebrow, "Killed Voldemort?" Just his name made Malfoy cringe, "Yes. I just wanted to check if it was true." She nodded stiffly, "It's true. He's dead. You don't need to worry." His shoulders visibly relaxed and sagged in relief. Ginny felt incredibly sorry for him. She wanted to comfort him, but she didn't know how and she also felt like that was crossing the line where Malfoy was concerned. Instead she just said, "Thank you for saving me from the Carrow's, more than once. I'll never be able to thank you enough for that." Malfoy smiled genuinely, "Don't mention it Weasley."
He watched her cautiously, not sure what else to say, and then she said quickly, "And thank you for not turning in Harry, Ron and Hermione in when they were at Malfoy Manner. It means a lot to me. I knew you weren't as awful as you made out you were. And your mum for saving Harry in the forest." Malfoy stalked forwards a little bit and then leaned closer to her, "You knew that, huh?" Ginny lost her breath, with him being so closed. She smiled weakly and he laughed. He touched her hair and brushed it backwards, "Take care of yourself, Ginny." He nodded and then he was gone. Ginny was left with a sense of emptiness in her. She sighed, knowing it was ridiculous that to expect anything more than being acquaintances with a Malfoy.
A/N; Hi all! As always, thanks to those who have followed and have kept up with this story! I hope you're all having a good weekend!