31st July

The world was still black when I woke. My head pounded as I felt around the sticky floor. I took a sharp intake of breath and clutched my ribs, everything went hazy again. I had no idea how long I had been lying there. I rolled onto my side, in the fetal position, the pain trying to overcome my consciousness once again. My eyes came back into focus when I spotted it; a strip of light along the bottom of the door.

"Hello?" I heard an unfamiliar voice, "Anyone home?" their footsteps were getting closer, it sounded like a pair of heels, "There's no one here, the place is completely trashed… The door was lying wide open! What did you expect me to do?" It was definitely a lady, "I think I'll just ring the police and they can deal with it." I could see the shadows of her feet standing right outside my door, hovering. This was my only chance.

I mustered all the strength I had and tried with all my might to shout, "Help!" It was pathetic. My throat was so dry and I had next to no energy.

"Don't you 'Trish' me. I'm the one here." The lady must have been on the phone.

I let out a dry cough. I used my feet to propel me across the floor, I held onto my chest as I lifted an arm to hit the door.

"Wait. Andrew. I think I hear something."

I groaned in pain. The door slowly opened, the light was blinding.

"Oh my. Shit Andrew, it's her." The lady dropped to her knees, "Kathryn? My name is Trish. Can you hear me? Can you squeeze my hand?"

She placed her warm hand in mine and I did all I could to squeeze.

"Andrew she's in a pool of her own blood." She squeezed my wrist, "her pulse is weak, she's wheezing, what do I do?"

Trish took a bottle of water out of her handbag and poured a dribble into my mouth, enough for me to try and speak, "Paper."

"Paper? What do you want paper for sweetheart?" she stroked my hair gently.

"Bedroom, paper, quill, please." The tiny voice escaping my mouth did not sound like my own. I was hoarse. My chest was tight, giving me sharp pains with every laboured breath.

"Andrew? Where is her bedroom? She wants to write something-" she disappeared in seconds, she thundered up the stairs and along the corridor before running back to me. "here you go, sweetheart." Trish put the quill in my hand and with all my might I wrote the word 'HELP' before dropping it. "She wrote the word 'help' Andrew. Does she not understand that's what I'm doing?" she took the quill and put it back in my hand again, "I'm here, Kathryn, I'm getting Dr Davis and an ambulance, they'll be here soon."

There was a slam of the car door and Trish ran to direct them towards me. I felt paralysed. The pain was so intense.

"Kathryn, do you remember me? I'm Dr Davis. I'm going to look after you. I promise." He injected something into my arm, the sharp scratch of the needle temporarily making me struggle with consciousness, "Can you tell me what happened?"

"Mum and dad."

"Did they hurt you?"

I drew a 'Y' on the palm of his hand with my finger.

"You need to see this Trish. Where are your parents, Kathryn?"

It was getting more and more difficult to talk, "Dunno."

"What about your Granny?"

"I dunno…" I gasped for breath, straining by the second to fill my lungs.

A thud sounded from the front room, "KATHRYN?" it was George. I immediately felt a new sense of hope as Trish called out for him to hear, I saw the panic on his face as he approached, "MUM! We need to get her to St Mungos, NOW." Another thud sounded, "DAD! MUGGLES!"

"She's in no fit state to be moving anywhere. She has a pneumothorax and needs immediate medical attention. And what did you just call me?" Dr Davis spoke, he was pressing something into my chest.

Molly Weasley rolled up her sleeves and formed a stretcher underneath me.

"How-?"

"I'll apparate with her. You two follow behind with her belongings." Molly placed her hand on my arm and the world went black again as my body was being squished in on itself and I landed with a jerking motion in what must have been St Mungos, the Wizarding Hospital in London. At great speed I was taken to a ward and was surrounded by strange faces. Molly's hand never left mine.

"I'm going to give you something to make you sleep." Someone spoke and within seconds the world went black again.

2nd August

I woke with a start as though waking from a nightmare. My body was paralysed once again. My eyes sprung open, my heart was palpitating, I gasped for air. Someone placed a mask over my nose and mouth, I could hear distant shouting, the people around me were moving fast, making everything blurry. A muffled voice was speaking much closer to me, but I couldn't make out a word, the voice drifted further and further until sound was gone. It was as though I was plunged underwater.

Several minutes passed by before I had a popping sensation in my ears and I could hear what was going on. I could clearly hear a female speaking, "Tachycardia reducing- 100 beats per minute"

"Blood pressure stabilising- 100/59" her body came into focus and I could see the blonde colour of her hair.

"Sats 94%" The female spoke again then she introduced herself as 'Melanie' as I caught eyes with her.

A second person spoke who stood on the other side of me, "Temp 36.2" He introduced himself as 'Dave'.

Dave shone a bright light in my eye, "Pupils both equal and reactive"

"Kathryn, if you can hear me, blink twice." Melanie said, so I blinked twice, "Can you squeeze my hand?" but I could only manage to wiggle my fingertips. The sensation in my body was however returning at a rapid rate. It was only now that I could feel twinges of pain resulting from the ordeal I had been though.

I tried clearing my throat to speak. My mouth was so dry I could hardly swallow. Dave held a glass of water with a straw for me as Melanie carefully helped me lift my head. I washed the liquid around my mouth before swallowing.

"Thank you." I spoke, my voice still rough.

"How are you?" Melanie asked as Dave performed spells over my body.

I took a deep breath, feeling more and more of my body aching, "Sore."

Dave was holding up a booklet with lots of writing on it, "I can get you something for that in an hour's time."

"What day is it?" I felt so disorientated.

"It is Tuesday 2nd August 1994. You are in St Mungo's Hospital and it has just gone seven in the evening." Dave answered, he had a tinge of a Scottish accent.

"I think there are a few people out there who can't wait to see you. Shall I let them in?" Melanie spoke, sitting me up on the bed, "I'll contact your Healer and let him know you're awake."

"Sure." I lifted my eyes to the door of the room, seeing Hermione and George watching me through the glass. I smiled weakly at them and Melanie nodded slightly, signalling them to enter.

"Always the dramatist." George chuckled as he got to my side, "It's so good to see you awake!" he took a hold of my hand and squeezed lightly. I tried to squeeze back, the numbness was like pins and needles. I then realised my hand was attached to a drip, something that was probably keeping me hydrated.

Hermione took a hold of my other hand, "You gave us all a scare. I came straight to the hospital when I found out. Everyone's been worried sick."

"I'm sorry…" I struggled to speak, sounding like I had a croaky throat.

"You have nothing to be sorry about!" Hermione consoled me, "I had no idea things at home where this bad. No wonder you didn't want to go back..."

"They were furious Hermione." George shuddered, "I shouldn't have left you, Katy… I should have forced you to come with us, it's all my fault."

I cleared my throat before speaking, "It wasn't. I told you to go."

"You're really struggling to talk, aren't you?" Hermione held the glass as I took another sip of water.

I nodded slightly, lifting my heavy arm and touching my throat, feeling the tenderness of the bruises, remembering the strength with which my father squeezed. I couldn't help but cry. My whole body shuddered.

"You're safe now. You're never going back there again." George awkwardly patted my shoulder.

I laid my head back down on the pillow as it felt as though it weighed a tonne. I could see George and Hermione looking between themselves, wondering what to do or to ask. They both had red eyes with dark circles underneath. Hermione's fingernails looked like they had been bitten to shreds as she dabbed the tears from my cheeks with a tissue. George looked like he hadn't slept in days. It became clear that nothing could be said. There was nothing I could do to make my friends feel better about themselves or any less guilty for leaving me with my parents. I felt myself drift into sleep.

"Kathryn!" George gently shook my shoulder to wake me, "you sounded like you were having a nightmare." He wiped my brow with a damp cloth.

I was having a nightmare, yes, but the pain I was now experiencing was very real. I could hardly speak through the agony. I was groaning loudly to cope with the torture my body was going through. I sat up quickly, "Bowl." I said, gagging.

Hermione swiftly handed me a kidney dish and I vomited violently. I hadn't eaten in days, so I was bringing up bile, acid and blood. Lots and lots of blood.

"Mum, get the healer. Now." Hermione shouted to her mother who was sitting by the door, dozing.

By the time I had filled the third dish, a team of men and women all surrounded me, injecting different drugs and performing different spells. When I had finished, I was clammy, shaking and even weaker than I was before. That, and I managed to cover myself and the bed with, well, my stomach. It smelt horrible, making the rest of the team gag, so they very quickly sent everyone unnecessary out of the room and got me cleaned and changed with nice new bed linen. When I was getting help with changing, I noticed all the cuts and scars and bruising on my body for the first time. I looked awful. I had been bruised before, but never as bad as this. My throat was so raw that I couldn't bring myself to speak. I just lay there, silently. Someone gave me some mouthwash and a drink. Someone else shouted that they were going to get me some toast. George and Hermione promptly returned to my bedside when everyone left.

"That was awful." I strained to say.

"You poor thing…" Hermione empathised.

There was a knock at the door and a tall male wizard walked in, "Hello, Kathryn, my name is Jensen and I'm your Healer."

I spoke in almost a whisper, "Lovely to meet you."

"Can I speak freely and can we discuss issues with your two friends here or would you like them to leave?" Jensen asked.

"They can stay. So long as they promise not to make a big deal out of anything and NOTHING leaves this room."

I saw both Hermione and George nod in agreement. I was certain I was going to get quizzed on my past history. I knew they would get a shock, but they had to know.

Jensen took a seat beside Hermione and took out a file of notes, "I have been in contact with your Muggle "GP", is that what they call them? And he provided me with your previous medical history. It appears you have suffered several different maladies over the years, the most serious including a stab wound to the shoulder, a sprained arm, a twisted ankle and second degree burns. Do you deny any of these?"

"No."

"On this particular occasion, your injuries are more severe as you probably well know. Would you like to know what injuries you have sustained?"

"Yes." I gulped.

"You had a pneumothorax, a bruised larynx, a broken nose, bruised tracheal cartilage, two black eyes, two broken ribs, three cracked ribs, a bruised abdomen and a lacerated kidney. You also presented with old bruising to the back and five broken toes, seemingly four weeks old?"

"Yes."

"Do you understand all of the injuries mentioned?"

"Yes."

"As a result, we have restored your lung, stopped your nose from bleeding, the two broken ribs have been fixed and your kidney was operated on to suture the laceration. You received a blood transfusion in the process. Would you mind telling me how you incurred these injuries so that I can make a report?"

"As long as you can promise me something." I bargained.

"Carry on." Jensen spoke, raising his eyebrows in surprise as he leaned in closer to hear me.

I took a sip of water, "You need to protect me from my parents so they will never be able to hurt me again."

"Done."

"Thank you." I took a deep breath, realising that I was shaking, both George and Hermione had a tight grip on my hands, "The initial injuries happened on the 1st of July. My father hit me, I attempted to kick him away, he grabbed my foot, unbalancing me and my back slammed on the hard floor, he then proceeded to push my toes back individually until all five broke. My grandmother called the muggle doctor the next morning to get me assessed and I got some pain relief. I couldn't get out of bed for days."

"And your current injuries?"

"Mum and dad lost it when they came home from holidays because I invited friends over for dinner. Mum dragged me by my hair into the room in the house where I was found, dad punched me in the face a few times, breaking my nose, I fell to the floor, then mum picked me up and dad started hitting my stomach. I was then dropped to the floor as I couldn't hold my own weight and mum kicked my ribs over and over again." I had to stop to steady my breathing, "Then she lifted me off the floor and held me to face dad where he put his hands around my neck and squeezed until I lost consciousness. What they did after that, I don't know, but I woke up a good bit later. A muggle was in my house looking for me. She helped me contact George here and well, everything is a bit blurry." I recounted in a whisper, the easiest way in which to communicate.

"Thank you for your bravery. You seem to be able to talk about these events with relative comfort," Jensen said after writing in my notes, "would you like me to appoint a healer that specialises in talking about such events?"

"A psychologist or a counsellor? No. I'll be fine. It's happened before and I've been to meetings, I've talked to person upon person about everything, I'm used to it. I know how to deal with it, hopefully it won't happen again and if it does, I'll get on with it like I always do." I said emotionlessly, it was true, I've learnt how to deal with this all on my own, I've been on my own in this all my life.

"I understand. Please speak to me if you change your mind."

"I will."

"Do you mind if I examine you?"

I hesitated, "Of course not." I was happy for Hermione to stay, she was a girl and had seen me before, we've lived together for three years, but George I didn't feel comfortable with, not seeing me like this. I turned to face him, my eyes pleading for him to understand, but he was already on his feet and seemed very understanding. I nervously held on tight to Hermione's hand.

I took of my nightdress with some help as Jensen examined the cuts, scrapes and bruises on my abdomen. He had a look at my back, remarking on how much it had healed in the time since he'd last seen me. I got redressed and he poked and prodded at my nose and eyes. He assessed my leg power and checked on my toes which were a lot less blackened now. I asked if I could see myself in a mirror. I wish I hadn't. The shock of seeing my distorted nose, black eyes and the finger marks on my neck was almost too much to handle.

"Don't worry about your face, I needed to wait for the swelling to go down before I fixed it. I can do that now?"

I nodded.

"Episkey." And my nose snapped back into place again, making me cry out in pain. "Sorry, but if you use the mirror again, you'll see your nose is back to normal."

"Thanks."

"Do you have any questions or anything else you'd like to tell me?" Jensen said sincerely as he took a seat beside me again.

"When can I leave?"

"It is hard to determine at this time."

"When can I get up and about?"

"Whenever you feel you are ready and have a mediwizard nearby."

"What's going to happen to my parents?"

"The muggle police and a few aurors are looking for them, but don't worry, your room is monitored 24/7."

I tried warning Jensen, "They will just throw their money at the problem, will get away with it and try and kill me again. Dad threatened me. He doesn't ever do so lightly. And don't you dare write to them about me or they'll hire a hit man or something. I'm not joking, my parents are powerful people with powerful friends. If they want to eradicate someone or something, they will."

He was trying to keep a neutral expression, but was failing, "I understand."

"No, you don't. But thank you for taking the time to talk to me."

"No problem." And with that, Jensen was gone.

Dave provided me with some pain relief as my body continued to ache. Hermione and George both sat awkwardly staring at each other in the hope that one of them knew what to say or do. Mrs Granger (who insists I call her Liz) sat in the corner asleep. What I really needed from them was for Hermione to tell me about the books she's reading or for George to tell me about some prank he and Fred pulled on some unfortunate soul. I desperately needed everything to return to normal. Molly Weasley briefly popped her head in, just to see how I was, providing us all with a bowl of stew each. She too looked exhausted and I couldn't help feel like it was my fault.

"Off you go, you two." I demanded.

"I'm not leaving you. I told you." George said stubbornly.

Hermione spoke next, "Kathryn, do you not want some company?"

"What I want is to see you two with bright, happy, smiling faces in the morning. Not the shattered people who are sitting on either side of me now. Besides, whenever these meds kick in, I'll be off to sleep and you've probably had enough of watching me sleep. So go get some sleep yourselves. Goodnight." I left them with no choice. Every argument I halted. I waved as they left.

3rd August

During the night I was frequently interrupted in my sleep for observations, to give me more pain medication and once to reattach the fluids to my arm as I pulled the IV line out of my hand when I turned in my sleep. That was a very bloody mess.

Just after a breakfast of boiled eggs and toast, there was a quiet knock at my door and both Ginny and Fred had popped in for a visit. Ginny immediately ran over to give me a hug, "It's so good to see you awake."

"It's good to see the results after your nose job. It looks exactly the same." Fred sniggered.

"Good to see you too, Fred."

"How are you feeling?" Ginny pulled a chair up to the side of the bed.

I touched the silkiness of her long fiery red hair, "Sore, tired and grateful to be alive. But enough about me, I've missed you, what's been happening?"

"Not too much. Percy's still mad about his job and I hardly see him. I think he's writing a report on standardizing cauldron thickness."

"How very… engaging of him."

Both Ginny and Fred snorted.

"The group have been asking about you, not that George and I have told them much. Katie, Alicia and Angelina were wanting to visit, but mum and the hospital said no as they are restricting visiting to strictly family only. Not that any of the people visiting you are actually-" Fred realised what he was about to say, "Sorry-"

"Don't worry, I consider you family. I'll have to dye my hair to fit in, though. Invent a colour for me, won't you, Fred?"

"I couldn't imagine you as a ginger, Kathryn." Ginny said thoughtfully.

"We are not ginger! We are red heads!" Fred scolded his sister.

I messed up Fred's hair with my hand, "Ginger or red, I love it either way."

"I wonder if you and George would have red-headed children or not…?" Fred imagined, "I can't help but see a Quidditch team of red heads running about. Yours and George's kids against the rest of the Weasley grandchildren."

My eyes nearly popped out of my forehead, "I'm having seven kids am I?"

Ginny raised her eyebrows at me and nudged me slightly, "I thought you didn't like George, Kathryn? Thought you said nothing would happen between the two of you."

Fred interjected, "But isn't it obvious? George never shuts up about her."

"He probably wouldn't want to be with someone as complicated as me." I replied, my face burning with embarrassment, "You and Angelina, though." I winked.

"Ange?"

"Yes, Angelina Johnston? Plays on the Gryffindor Quidditch team as a chaser? You do spend a lot of time with her, I'm surprised you don't know who she is…?" the sarcasm was running on an all-time high between us.

"Yes, yes, I know who she is but… Ange?"

Ginny and I glanced at each other, bewildered.

"I think you two would make a lovely couple." Ginny hinted.

I lightly punched Fred's arm, "You two could have the ginger Quidditch team."

"Red-head-" Fred caught himself on and turned the colour of beetroot.

4th August

I had Fred, George, Hermione, Ginny, Ron, Molly and Arthur all visit me last night until they got kicked out at bed time for making too much noise! We all had a great time reminiscing together, sharing random stories and tales.

George visited on his own late this morning. He completely brightened up my day as I had spent half the night listening to someone screaming in the room next to me. Whether it was pain or fear I couldn't tell. George showed me some of the new order forms for the Joke Shop business Weasley Wizard Wheezes and the line of products that they had to sell. Apparently they had a few orders on the go at the minute. Some of the products looked familiar like the fainting fancies and the nosebleed nougat which could now be bought along with Fever Fudge and a range of other sweets in a Skiving Snack box. New additions included dung bombs (delightful) and fake wands that transfigure into different objects. I couldn't help but feel impressed. I watched the expressions on George's face and the passion that he had when he talked about it.

After lunch, Melanie the mediwizard examined my lower back and my legs, suggesting that my surgical wound was healing well enough for me to attempt walking. I had so much discomfort tossing and turning in bed that I was slightly apprehensive. George seemed up for helping me though, offering a steady arm and plenty of encouragement. Very slowly I moved myself into a sitting position on the side of the bed, realising just how stiff my legs had become.

"I really don't think I can do this." I grabbed on tight to George's arm as he took a step back.

"Of course you can!" George took a step closer to me again, "Up you get, I promise I'll look after you."

I nodded and placed both my feet on the cold, hard ground. Melanie advised that I use my hands to push myself up from the bed and that her and George would be on either side to stabilise me. Following her instructions, I closed my eyes and held my breath, shakily finding myself on my feet, straightening my knees and standing up straight.

George was laughing at me, "Breathe, Katy."

I slowly let out the inhaled air and shot him a dirty look.

"If looks could kill." Melanie said with a grin, "Fancy taking a few steps?"

It sounds so stupid, but walking after being off your feet for so long is strange. I felt like a toddler taking my first few steps. I never felt like I was going to fall backwards or forwards, rather my main worry was that my knees were going to buckle under my weight. After walking around my room, I got to grips with walking unaided, Melanie suggested I had a walk around the ward. So I had a dander in my pyjamas, talking away to George for a few minutes before heading back so as to not over-do it. Just before dinner I walked him over to the visitor's entrance and exit fireplace for him to get off home for dinner. I spent the rest of the evening reading a new book Hermione had recommended and I HAD A SHOWER. I hadn't showered in days, so my goodness it felt great! One of the mediwizards offered to plait my hair for me, so all in all I had a great day!

7th August

Nothing particularly out of the ordinary happened yesterday. The Weasley family were all away on an outing together and so Hermione, Liz and John came to visit for the afternoon. They weren't short on conversation and told me about their mid-week trip away to Blackpool. It dawned on me that I was supposed to be on that trip. I was supposed to be staying with Hermione and her family this week. I felt awful by the end of their visit, not that it was particularly their fault.

Professor McGonagall visited this morning. I was totally not expecting it. She told me that Molly had written to her and Dumbledore to inform the school of what had happened. I was brought a few treats and was hand-delivered my Hogwarts letter for fourth year. The two new books required were 'The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 4' by Miranda Goshawk and 'The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection'. I noticed at the end of the letter it said, "Fourth year students will also require Dress Robes only for special occasions that will occur through the year."

"Why do we need dress robes?" I asked curiously, looking up from the letter.

"For formal occasions that will occur throughout the incoming year." McGonagall said with a smile, careful not to give anything away.

I suddenly felt a bit silly, but asked anyway, "What do Witches wear for Dress Robes?"

McGonagall lightly tapped my arm in a loving way, "Oh my sweet muggle-born child, you dress as you would in the muggle world with a dress and heels whilst males would wear a suit and tie combination."

"And what would this dress be needed for?" I asked again.

"I'm still not going to tell you, Miss Pink!" she laughed, "tell me, how are you feeling?"

I knew I wasn't going to get the information out of her, so the two of us continued in polite conversation, "I'm feeling a whole load better than when I woke up!"

"I'm glad. I've been speaking to Mrs Weasley and she is happy to take care of you for the remainder of the holidays after you are discharged. I am certain you will be on your best behaviour until I can sort out a more permanent residence for next summer." McGonagall spoke matter-of-factly as she always did.

"I understand…" That's what it came down to. Who would take me in until I am old enough to look after myself? It surely wasn't going to be my parents, or by the looks of it my Grandmother who was seemingly as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike at the minute. I was disappointed in her, the one woman I thought I could trust. For all she knows I could be lying dead in that house. She didn't even try to help; she ran like the rest of them.

Seeing how down I was, McGonagall lifted out a large wrapped box from her carpet handbag and handed it to me, "I know it's a bit early, but I think you could do with something to perk you up. Happy early birthday!"

"Thank you so much!" I smiled, "You don't know how much this means to me!" I carefully removed the red bow and ripped open the brown paper to reveal a shoe box. I carefully looked up at McGonagall and grinned taking off the lid to reveal a pair of silver sparkly high heels. Suddenly I didn't care that the weather was miserable outside, I didn't mind that my future looked so uncertain, I set the box down on the bed beside me and wrapped my arms around McGonagall and hugged her tight! "They're beautiful!" I felt myself tear up.

"Go on, try them on!" McGonagall fixed her glasses back into position again.

The shoes were the perfect fit. I had no idea how I was ever going to walk in them, but I didn't care. They were gorgeous. I had a little (wobbly) prance around the room.

"I was reading one of those muggle fairy tales on my travels… You shall go to the Ball." She said.

If that wasn't dropping a hint, I don't know what was.

9th August

After 10 days at St Mungo's I am finally ready for discharge. Dr Jensen paid a visit this morning, signing me off as suitable to return to home. He provided me with a bag-full of medications to take and an appointment with Madam Pomfery on the first day back to school. There's nothing like starting the school year off in the Hospital Wing…! My bruising is all gone and my pain is manageable. I can now walk completely unaided but am just a little slower than normal, but I have been promised walking will become easier in time.

I thought I was excited to be leaving hospital until I came across Ginny that afternoon. She was buzzing with enthusiasm! She was just so happy to have me around and couldn't wait for our sleepovers. I made sure to thank each and every mediwizard and healer for all their help and support before stepping into the fireplace and travelling by Floo to The Burrow where I was welcomed with open arms by Fred, George and (somewhat awkwardly by) Ron. Fred took my bag and brought it straight up to Ginny's room for me. Molly offered me a cup of tea, George wanted to show me the fudge he was telling me about, Ginny wanted to sit with me in the garden and Ron was sitting with his game of Gobstones ready to play.

"Wowzah!" I breathed, taking my coat off.

"Let the girl breathe!" Molly handed me a cup of tea, "What would you like to do, dear?"

"How about we take a seat outside on the grass? You can show me the fudge, Georgie, we can play Gobstones, Ron and Ginny you can yack away to me to your heart's content?"

I saw the four siblings all shake the shoulders in the same way, Ginny grabbed a picnic blanket and we all soaked up the glorious summer sunshine. Ginny started telling me about the Holyhead Harpies most recent match where the Captain Gwenog Jones scored six spectacular goals in a row. Ron then argued that the Chudley Cannons were the better team. I certainly got an education anyway. Fred and George showed me a new invention- the tonne-tongue-toffee and the new and upcoming fiery fudge. Molly took a chair and got out her knitting needles and sat closer to the house, keeping an eye on us all. At one point when George was trying to get me to taste the new fudge, Molly had unknowingly snuck up behind us.

"I hope that isn't one of your silly inventions." She looked at the twins disapprovingly.

"Its normal fudge, Molly, Fred and George just took some from the kitchen…" I said innocently.

I could see a smirk appear on her face, I knew that cunning look well from the twins, "Oh, is it? The last piece I ate from them made me come out in a fever. Eat some, then."

Before I had time to think, I popped the fiery fudge into my mouth and chewed it quickly before swallowing, it was like eating the world's hottest pepper. I had to keep an amicable expression on my face, staring Molly in the eyes whilst my entire mouth and throat were both on fire. I was pretty sure if she didn't turn her back soon, steam would be coming out of my ears! I think she had seen me suffer long enough and returned to the house. Once the door was shut, I coughed and coughed and coughed and I drank my tea as fast as I could. My eyes were streaming with tears.

"That was one of the bravest things I think I've ever seen." George was rubbing my back.

I turned on the spot, "You owe me, BIG TIME. Both of you."

For dinner, Molly and Arthur had planned a bit of a 'getting out of hospital party' for me, with finger food and a few balloons. They sure knew how to make me feel welcome. I felt awfully rude after all the effort they had gone into for me, but by 9pm I physically couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. I took a handful of medications and headed up to bed and was out like a light five minutes later.

10th August

I woke this morning to Ginny tripping over my bed and swearing aloud as she clutched her foot, "Sorry… shhhh, go back to sleep!"

I had a fit of the giggles at the sound of Ginny Weasley, the shy young girl I knew from school swear. "Please don't tell mum what I said…" she pleaded, tripping over her trainers she had left lying by her door the night before, "MERLIN'S BEARD!" she scolded herself once again as she got up from the heap on the floor. The fact that she was a deep shade of purple made me laugh all the more.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be laughing." I spoke through strained giggles, putting on my slippers and getting out of bed. Then Ginny started laughing at herself being so dramatic.

There was a knock at the door, "What are you two laughing about in there?" Molly's voice sounded. Ginny looked like she was about to die a horrible death. Neither of us said anything in response, Ginny just opened the door as though absolutely nothing had happened, pulling on her dressing gown and I followed her down the stairs to get some breakfast.

After lunch, Molly and Ginny started doing some baking together, they invited me to join, but I felt like a bit of an intruder. Fred filled me in earlier that the two of them bake Ginny's birthday cake together each year, it was a tradition of sorts. I told them that my back was sore, which was true and Molly suggested I had a lie down. Instead of going up one flight of stairs, I went up two and found myself nervously knocking on Fred and George's bedroom door.

"Who is it?" The two of them answered, something exploded.

"Is it safe?"

Fred opened the door letting me in, his face slightly blackened, "It depends what you define as 'safe'!"

I took a step into their room and sat on George's bed and crossed my legs, "I'm not eating anything, testing any product, I'm not going to get bitten by your Sneaking Spiders or taking any love potions, thank you."

"What about-" George began.

"No."

"So why are you here? Want me to leave? Do you two need…?" Fred said with a wide grin, raising his eyebrows up and down, looking between me and his twin.

"No." George and I said simultaneously.

"And here's me thinking you'd be up for a potentially dangerous mission?" I spoke in a mysterious voice.

Fred and George glanced at each other in excitement, rubbing their hands together, "Dangerous?"

"Potentially stupid. Potentially problematic." I stated, the two of them leaned in closer, eager to hear my proposition, "I want to go back to my parents' house and kick down a few locked doors."

"Absolutely not. No." George shook his head, "The last time you were there-"

"Let's do it." Fred exclaimed.

"SWEET." I completely ignored George, "I'll grab my bag, can you get the fire ready?"

"Katy-" George grabbed my hand as I made my way towards the door.

"Georgie."

"I don't want you to go."

"I need closure, I need to get some questions answered, they won't be able to touch me." I tapped my wand that was safely secured to my belt, "I was going to go on my own, but I thought you two would appreciate the adventure. I thought I could rely on you."

"But-"

"If you don't let me go, I will sneak out in the middle of the night."

"No, you won't."

"Yes, I will." I pulled my hand out of his, I felt passionately about this, "I've thought this through, I'm going with or without you. I'm never being locked up like someone's prisoner again, not being able to leave the house. Come on, Fred." I hopped down the stairs, grabbed my rucksack and threw it over my shoulders. Fred lifted a pouch of Floo Powder from the mantelpiece and threw a handful into the fire, turning it green. I looked up at Fred, noticing all the differences between him and George. I think I'm also beginning to learn that Fred is the more daring of the two. Or perhaps the word is reckless? Either way, Fred was more prepared to be spontaneous and I had no doubt he wanted nothing more than to go wild!

"Are you sure about this?" George put a hand on my shoulder.

I must admit, I did jump a little as I wasn't expecting him to change his mind, "Yes, as sure as I'm standing here right now, asking you to come with me." I couldn't help but give him the puppy dog look. I know it was a low move, but totally worked.

George sighed, he was defeated, "Alright then." He linked arms with me and I linked arms with Fred as we stepped into the fire.