Trigger Warnings:
Schizophrenia-like symptoms
Thoughts about sexuality
They arrived in a clearing in the middle of what appeared to be a densely packed forest.
"Weasley party of one?" Grunted an irritated ministry worker in a shabby black robe.
Bill confirmed.
"Right, move along quickly. We have another party arriving in a moment. The Lovegoods aren't too far from here. First site on the left" he barked while a suspended quill made a mark on an equally suspended clipboard.
As soon as they made their way out of the thicket of trees their vision was assaulted by hundreds of mis-matched magical tents.
Bill rolled his eyes.
"The poor muggles who own the campsite will have their minds addled for weeks after this".
"Obliviate" Charlie supplied.
They deserve worse than a simple memory charm Tom sneered but Ginny couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor muggles who were being exploited.
Her questions, however, were quickly washed from her mind by Charlie and Bill's running commentary of the different spells and charms that would have gone into creating some of the more outlandish canvas creations.
It didn't take them too long to find Luna's tent. It was surprisingly ordinary compared to her home. Bill greeted Luna's father warmly and complimented him on having more sense than many of the others.
"Well, I like to think in this madness, that my tent is actually odd by virtue of not being odd. But never mind..." He trailed off. "Ginevra, it's lovely to see you. Luna, Colin and Dennis have just gone to fetch some more water - the muggle way! Come in, come in, the Creeveys are inside".
Inside the tent was anything but ordinary and much more in line with what she had expected from the eccentric wizard, a stark contrast to the outside. It seemed both expansive and cosy. There were patterned materials and beads hanging from the ceiling and some sticks smoking on a table in the middle letting off a heavy perfumed scent. Instead of chairs there were a variety of squashy looking sacks in bright colours. The Creeveys were seated on a couple of purple sacks and struggled a little to get up and greet the party.
...
Ginny succumbed to a vibrant orange sack and was chatting happily with Colin's parents, Martha and Paul. Paul was attempting to describe his job as a milkman and she was struggling to make sense of it. It didn't seem like something that would be paid well but Colin always seemed to be well presented and she hadn't spotted any shabby second hand equipment in his supplies. Martha worked part-time as a receptionist at a local University but was considering increasing her hours now that Dennis would be starting school. Martha had to explain to Ginny what Universities were, and she even spotted Bill looking on in interest. As far as she gathered, muggles had a much more varied education system than the wizarding world and she was surprised to hear that they could continue their studies well into adulthood.
Of course they would require extra schooling they need to do something with their meaningless existence Tom drawled.
Paul seemed to have Colin's same exuberance while Martha was calmer but ever polite. Colin's childhood must have been a happy one.
Martha was explaining some of the differences in career paths in the Muggle world when Colin came through carrying a large plastic jug filled with water.
Following quickly behind was a shorter boy who looked near identical to a younger Colin except for a slight Auburn twinge in his hair which matched Martha's locks, and soaking wet clothes.
Martha didn't get to her feet and chuckled from her sack.
"Oh, Dennis. How did you manage that?".
"He tripped and spilt the water all over himself and we had to go back" Colin replied with no annoyance in his voice.
"Yep! I was like woah, and then like ouch and then splash and it was all over me! You should have seen it. It was crazy" Dennis chattered gesturing wildly while Colin and Martha shook their heads fondly.
"It was the Blubbering Humbdingers, Daddy" Luna added gliding through the tent into her Dad's arms.
Xeno's eyes narrowed slightly but in an instant he regained his usual composure. It was so quick that Ginny questioned whether she had actually seen any change at all.
…...
After embracing her father, Luna skipped over to Ginny and perched herself on her knee and threw her arms exuberantly round the neck of her ginger friend. They toppled backwards with a shriek, from Ginny, and a fit of bubbling laughter from the blonde.
"I missed you, Ginny!" Luna giggled.
Ginny, slightly winded from the fall wheezed back that she had missed her too.
Colin, ever the gentleman, came over to help them up only to wrap Ginny in another fierce hug.
With a slight bump, Ginny felt another pair of slightly damp arms wrap around her. Dennis joined in.
"I like hugs! It's nice to meet you, Ginny. Colin doesn't stop talking about you. I feel like I've known you forever..."
Whatever else he had to say was cut off by Colin loudly asking him whether he was going to change.
"Great idea, Col!" He replied and hurried off seemingly oblivious to Colin's irritation.
Colin cleared his throat, released Ginny and stepped back. There was a slight flush atop his ears and Ginny could make head nor tales of his reaction.
She looked over to Mrs and Mr Creevey who seemed to be trying their best to keep straight faces. Luna was looking serene as ever with a slight knowing smile on her face.
In the end, it was Bill who broke the strange tension by offering to make everyone a cuppa. Ginny agreed readily and in no time they were sat on the beanbags – the official name for the brightly coloured sacks – sipping warm mugs of tea.
...
The day with the Lovegoods and Creeveys was a relaxing start to being back in Britain. Colin's parents were a joy to be around, a stark contrast to her own, and were overjoyed that Luna and Ginny were both taking Muggle Studies and extended them both the offer to contact them anytime with questions if Colin was unable to help.
It was the first Charlie had heard of her subjects for year three and he was suitably impressed with her ambition.
"If there's lots that interests you it's a great idea to try them out in your this year. Afterall, you can always drop up to two when you head into fourth if it's too much so don't put too much pressure on yourself to do everything. Find out what you like and then focus on it".
Ginny thought that sounded sensible.
In fact, out of all the adults present, they would be able to call and write for advice on any of the topics. Aside from Mr and Mrs Creevey's proclivity for Muggle Studies, Bill was skilled in both Arithmancy and Runes – both essentials for becoming a curse breaker. Unsurprisingly, Charlie had been adept at Care of Magical Creatures though he also advised that he was relatively good at Divination.
Bill rolled his eyes slightly at that.
"Most of divination is a load of tosh unless you have the sight".
"And I do! At least a little" Charlie noted "at least where dragons are concerned" which earned a bark of laughter from the eldest brother.
"I still use a bit in Romania. Mostly Tarot Cards and Pyromancy..." At which point Luna cut him off with an excited squeal and started asking a million questions while her Dad chuckled in the corner.
When it was time for bed, Xeno showed the children into an adjoining room with the strangest light Ginny had ever seen in the middle. It was nearly the size of her and had some kind of strange blobs floating up and down in a liquid. Xeno referred to it as a lava-lamp and she was careful not to touch it. She had no idea how muggles had managed to wrestle such a hot substance into a light source and change its colour without magic, and filed it away as a question for her muggle studies teacher.
There were several pillows and squashy sleeping bags which they each claimed. Ginny's mind was buzzing with anticipation but when she did fall asleep it was to the gently sound of her friend's breath and the warmth of the lamp.
...
They had a lazy breakfast cooked over a muggle fire in the middle of the tent. Xeno had performed some kind of charm to allow the smoke to escape and Charlie, ever conscious of fire safety, explained that if you didn't you could choke on the smoke and even die if you weren't careful.
Xeno had procured a muggle range of vegan sausages created by a famous muggle called Linda whose husband was a beetle. Ginny wasn't really sure how much truth there was in that but happily sat by the fire with the sausage skewered on a metal stick. Dennis quickly abandoned the regular sausages in favour of copying his cool older brother and his friends while the Creeveys looked on fondly.
In the end, only Bill and the older Creeveys had the regular sausages but they all enjoyed a plate of crispy hashbrowns.
After breakfast, and a couple of rounds of tea, the Weasleys said their goodbyes and headed out. Ginny was sad to say goodbye to her friends but reminded herself they would be together on the express in a few short weeks.
There was a sense of heightened anticipation in the air as they wound their way through the campsites. Bill and Charlie both said hello to a handful of people including an excitable woman with bubblegum pink hair who pounced on Charlie putting him in a headlock.
Ginny had her wand drawn in an instant but tucked it away sheepishly after seeing a look of fond exasperation on her eldest brother's face.
"Wotcher, Bill!" She said with a struggling Charlie still in her arms.
"Heya Tonks, how's it going?" Bill laughed.
"It's alright! I'm a bona fide Auror now".
"Survived Mad Eye then?".
She rolled her eyes "Just about. I was surprised he let me off to see the game. Though I'm pretty sure he only did that so he had another plain-clothes officer in the crowd" she visibly shuddered and looked around, yanking Charlie with her.
She somehow managed to overbalance and both her and Charlie collapsed on the floor in a heap. Charlie wasted no time and straddled Tonk's chest pinning down her arms with his legs and messing up her hair with his hands while she grunted in frustration.
Suddenly, her stomach started to balloon out as she took on the appearance of someone far more heavyset. Charlie unbalanced and she returned to normal rolling over and pinning down Charlie instead.
"You never could best me Li-Li!" She grinned.
In the rukus, Charlie had managed to get hold of his wand.
"That's what you think, Nymphie!" He retorted casting a tickling hex on his friend.
Her hair turned bright red and she seemed angry despite laughing uproariously.
"You. Take. That. Back!" She stuttered out between the giggles, finally managing to knee Ginny's brother in his crotch and rolling him off her.
There were now several people watching their almost-fight. Ginny looked on with wide-eyes. Who was this crazy woman who could change her appearance. Could she learn to do that? It was amazing!
Bill stopped the fight by freezing them both in a block of ice just as Charlie was preparing a fire spell.
"Cool off kids. We're at Quidditch, not a duel" he laughed.
Charlie and Tonks both melted the ice. Tonks with a visible huff.
"You never let us play, Billy" she whined.
Ginny stifled a giggle with her hand. Bill seemed far too cool to be called Billy, though that was probably Tonks' intention.
In a few moments Tonks' hair was back to its former spiky pink and she cracked her neck from side to side.
"Ooooh, it's a mini-Weasley!" She exclaimed taking a step forwards.
Ginny looked at Bill hesitantly.
"I'd leave her along if I were you Tonksie. This one packs a bit more of a punch that poor Charlie over there".
Tonks stopped and studied her for a moment.
"I can see that" she said stepping forward "The names Tonks, just Tonks".
"Nice to meet you Just Tonks" Ginny replied shaking the woman's hand.
She burst into laughter and pulled her into a hug.
"I like her!" She exclaimed.
"Merlin forbid..." Bill muttered.
...
They finally extricated themselves from the bubbly auror and continued on their way to their family tents. Ginny had to blink when they turned a corner and found themselves in a field of green.
The Ireland supporters were loud and raucous. Bill was cajoled into purchasing a vibrant shamrock which shouted out the names of the Irish line-up. He also handed over a few coins for Ginny to purchase her own. It sat on her chest and clashed with her vibrant ginger hair.
As soon as they were out of that particular patch Charlie pulled them over to a Bulgarian merchandise stand.
"We all know Bulgaria is going to win. I don't know why you insist on supporting Ireland, Billy. You're even dragging Gin-Gin down with you" he mocked gently.
"Just because you're friends with the folks down at the Bulgarian dragon reserve doesn't mean they're going to win, Char. Besides, Krum is only one bloke. The Irish chasers are unstoppable".
Charlie looped a thick Bulgarian scarf around her neck.
"And you only like Ireland because of Mullet" Charlie rebuked making kissy faces.
Ginny hid a laugh behind her hands.
Bill went slightly red and shot a gentle flippendo at his brother who twirled out the way.
"Gotta be faster than that Billy-boy!" He said returning with his own.
Bill stood firm and deflected it with a gentle flick of his wand and a roll of his eyes.
Ginny turned to see a wandering sales-person carrying a tray of strange eyeglasses.
"Omnioculars for sale! Don't despair you'll be in the thick of it no matter where you find yourself with these beauties!". Their salesperson's magically enhanced voice echoed around the site.
Bill pulled them forwards and grabbed three pairs.
"A bit pricey but they're worth it".
...
It was filled with excitement that they finally reached the Weasley tent.
"Ginevra, I hope you had a pleasant summer" Percy greeted.
"Yeah, it was good thanks, Percy" she replied politely stifling a giggle. She had forgotten how pompous her brother could be.
"It's good to see you too William, Charles" he added nodding at the older brothers.
"Good to see you too, Perce!" Charlie said closing the gap and ruffling his younger brother's hair ignoring his protests.
The commotion brought Arthur out of the tent.
"Ginny!" He exclaimed closing her in a hug.
Ginny felt a little awkward but hugged him back.
"Hi Dad"
"My you've grown" Arthur proclaimed pulling back and studying her face.
Bill came to her rescue "Hey Dad, are the others inside?".
"Bill, Charlie – lovely to see you both!" Arthur said clasping them both on the shoulders. "Yes, yes, everyone is inside except our Mother, you know she's not a fan of Quidditch and someone needed to take care of the chickens".
Ginny mouthed her thanks at Bill and got a wink in response.
There was a moment of awkwardness when Ginny was left alone with Percy. She took a seat next to him on a folding chair and stared into the fire.
"Had any thoughts about what subjects you're taking this year?" He asked tentatively.
Ginny sighed in relief. Questions about school she could handle.
"Oh, I'm taking four" Percy's eyes widened in surprise but she continued "Muggle Studies, Care, Runes and Arithmancy".
"Those are solid choices, I'm surprised".
Ginny scoffed and Percy looked mildly panicked.
"Apologies, I didn't mean it like that. The others have had little mind for studies. Even William only took three optional courses in third year..." He cleared his throat "You're wise to opt out of Divination, there's little relevance unless you have the sight and Professor Trelawney is... well she's not the best instructor Hogwarts has to offer".
Ginny blinked in surprise.
"You're always welcome to write if you want any guidance with your studies. I've been extremely busy with my new job in the Ministry but I'll always be able to find some time".
"Thanks, Perce" Ginny replied softly, genuinely touched by his words.
Not long after a dark haired man came bounding out of the tent.
"You didn't tell me Ginny was here!".
He came to a shuddering stop in front of her and then rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly as if he was not sure how to proceed.
Percy looked slightly alarmed and was glancing between them.
"You must be Mr. Black" Ginny supplied, hoping to ease the awkwardness a little. If she squinted she could make out the resemblance to the deranged wizard from the wanted posters last year.
"Ew. No. It's Sirius, the one and only" he added with a little bow.
Ginny stood up to shake his hand only to be pulled into a fierce hug. She managed to glance at Bill underneath the man's armpit and gave him a look as if to say What is happening?!".
Before Bill could provide any assistance the man stepped back and looked at her intensely.
"I owe you a debt Ginevra Weasley. If you need anything at all, do not hesitate to contact me".
"Umm... sure Mr... Sirius" she replied.
She only had a moment to process before another, smaller, body collided with her.
"Thank you, Ginny! Sirius is free because of you" Harry said pulling away.
"Um.. Well it was more Luna and Colin than anything..." She trailed off awkwardly not quite sure what to make of the change in relationship between her and Harry. He had never actually touched her as far as she could remember, though he must have picked her up to move her from the chamber. She gave an involuntary shudder.
"Come on. Tell us about your summer" Harry said pulling her back to sit around the campfire again where Ron and Hermione were now present.
Sirius took a seat next to her and busied himself making her a cup of tea.
Ginny couldn't help but think the whole situation was very surreal. She had barely spoken to Harry, not for lack of wanting to, but previously she found herself unable to get the words out right. Now it just felt more... normal. He was just a kid, like her, she supposed.
Apparently, Sirius had been receiving treatment oversees for dementor exposure. Sun and sea were good combatants for the cold and he was doing a lot better. Unfortunately, he would need to go back for the remainder of the year, aside from a few day-trips like this one, to finish his healing. He commented that they initially wanted him to stay for longer but he was determined to be out before summer break next year.
Harry beamed and was excitedly telling her about how this summer would be his last with the Dursleys. Ginny thought that was great news. Though she wasn't sure why he had to go back to the Dursleys in the first place. Her Mum would have gladly welcomed Harry for the summers and although money would be even tighter, Ron would gladly cut down on his food consumption for his best friend. Well, perhaps not gladly but he would.
Ginny answered as many queries about Egypt that she was comfortable with. She skated over the training she had been receiving and focused on the tombs and curses. Thankfully, Hermione was ravenous for any information she could provide and the topic stayed clear of Akila. She wasn't sure why, but her friendship with the Egyptian woman seemed too personal to share with everyone else.
...
Time passed extremely quickly between the bubbly chatter and Percy's ongoing commentary of various important Ministry officials. He had met several important Ministry officials through work and was quite happy to point them out as they passed. There was an awkward moment where Barty Crouch, a grouchy straight-laced man and Percy's boss stopped by and accidentally called Percy Wetherby. The twins eyes lit up instantaneously. Ginny frowned and cast a gentle confundus his way. His sentence ended up even more of a garbled mess and the mistake was lost.
Bill shot her a knowing glance and approached Crouch gently.
"Mr Crouch, perhaps you should rest here at the Weasley tent for a moment. It's the least we could do as the family of your assistant, Percy".
Percy placed a hot cup of tea in his boss' hands.
"Hot tea will help clear your throat, Sir. I expect you've been having to talk to people non-stop".
Crouch cleared his throat and took a few sips of tea.
"Yes. Thank you, Weasley and …. family" he hesitated spotting Sirius Black who was glaring at him uncharacteristically from the entrance to the tent. "I must be off".
Ginny wondered what had happened between Sirius and Crouch. Harry seemed to be reassuring his Godfather so Ginny turned to speak to Percy.
"I don't think he'll forget your name again anytime soon" she whispered.
A slight blush was all the response Ginny received.
...
When it came time to head to the stadium, Arthur gathered them up, saved Ginny from Hermione's relentless, still ongoing, questions about Egypt and led them along the winding path. Sirius stayed at the back with Harry and the twins, supposedly to make sure that nobody got left behind but seemed far too engrossed in telling stories that left the twins crying with laughter.
The energy in the air was palpable and even Ron's bookish friend could barely contain her excitement.
Once they reached the stadium, they filtered up the stairs to the highest box. From here, the crowd below looked like ants. Unfortunately, they had to share the box with the Malfoys but with the Minister present they did little other than sneer and seat themselves at the opposite side. Sirius and Malfoy's Mum had some weird intense stare off before she broke the eye contact and seated herself next to her son.
Ginny settled herself between Bill and Charlie in the front row and listened to the starting commentary. She had no idea who she wanted to support. Fred and George had bet away their savings that Bulgaria would catch the snitch but Ireland would still win. She couldn't say that she had enough experience watching their playstyles to comment but was looking forward to the match none-the-less.
Bill smirked at Harry and Ron the moment before the Bulgarian mascots were introduced. Perplexed Ginny sat a little straighter, and leant forwards to catch a glimpse. What met her eyes were the most beautiful and ethereal women Ginny had ever seen. They were perfect. She went to stand to get a closer look, feeling the urge to get closer to those divine beauties but Bill's firm hand on her knee stopped her from standing.
She shoved at his arm and tried again to stand and was met my Charlie's hand on her shoulder. Ginny huffed and leaned as close as possible. Something about the women were calling to her. She wanted them to come closer – perhaps if she grabbed their attention somehow?
Diving from the top box would certainly make a statement. Tom suggested.
Ginny thought that was an excellent idea but unfortunately was pinned to her chair.
Finally, they were called off stage and she felt her commonsense returning. She craned her head around and both Harry and Ron were dangerously close to the box's edge. Fred and George were laughing about sticking one-another to their seats and even Arthur looked slightly dazed. Hermione just looked miffed at the whole situation and Sirius was openly chuckling at the younger generation.
She turned and looked questioningly at Bill.
"Veela" he surmised " They are enchanting and those who are attracted to women struggle to resist their charms" he added, gently squeezing her knee.
But she wasn't... was she? She didn't like much of anybody. Like Charlie.
Bill must have seen the puzzled expression on her face "Send me an owl when you figure it out".
Ginny thought over his words, ignoring the gentle huff of laughter from Charlie.
The Irish mascots were much more fun but quite dull in comparison, she thought, to the Bulgarian beauties. Ginny knew that the leprechaun gold would disappear eventually but it was still fun to see what it looked like to rain galleons. As a child, she used to think that was how posh people like the Malfoys showered and she giggled at the image now. Especially when she look around to see Narcissa looking less than pleased to be hit on the forehead with a large coin.
…...
The quidditch match itself was fierce and Ginny couldn't help but admire the synergy between the Irish chasers. There was no doubt in her mind that was the position she wanted to play. Sure, the seekers were more flashy, especially when Krum performed the Wronksi Feint, but it just seemed quite isolating.
She was astounded when Fred and George's prediction came true. The Irish chasers were unstoppable and the Bulgarians had no hope of ever catching up. With a frown, Krum caught the snitch and ended the game before the lead became too embarrassing. Ginny sympathised with him as he spat bitterly into the air before turning her omnioculars back to the Irish.
Ginny was filled with energy from the game and hurried along next to Bill going over the tactics. If Charlie was upset at Bulgaria's loss he didn't show it. Despite the enthralling game, she could hear Hermione complaining to Harry and Ron about the poor elf who was stuck in the top box despite being terrified of heights. Ginny agreed it was a bit cruel but there really wasn't anything they could do about it. Sirius was congratulating the twins on their excellent bet and engaged with them in hushed whispers about their plans for the winnings while Dad consciously turned a blind eye.
...
They sat up late discussing the match until Ginny, mid-way through re-watching some of her favourite chaser maneuvers, fell asleep at the table knocking over her half-empty cup of hot chocolate in the process. She was gently ushered to the adjoining tent which she would be sharing with Hermione.
A scream in the distance pierced through whatever dream Ginny was having and she sat bolt upright in bed. A sense of unease settled in her stomach. She hurled herself off the bed and was dressed in her cloak and shoes in an instant, and was in the process of waking Hermione when her Dad burst through the flap.
Ginny barely made out the words when he said the campsite was under attack. He half dragged her out to meet the others in the main tent. The younger ones all looked bedraggled, including Percy but Bill and Charlie were poised and ready for action. Hermione was wearing a fluffy pink dressing gown while Ron and Harry were both in pyjamas. The air outside smelt of smoke. In the distance there was fire and more screaming. Sirius had apparently already run off into the battle trusting Arthur to organise the others.
Dad ordered Fred and George to take Harry, Ron, Hermione and her to the forest for safety while those of age would deal with the threat. He glanced at Harry and Hermione not so subtly several times. Ginny tried to remind Bill and Charlie about Colin's parents but they were already off. Without a chance for any further words, Fred grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the forest.
...
It was chaos, loud and smoky. Ginny's attempts at getting Fred and George's attention fell on deaf ears. In the crowds they managed to lose Ron, Hermione and Harry but kept going.
In the distance, some people were suspended in the air above cloaked figures twisting unnaturally. Ginny had the feeling the campsite manager and his family would remember this no matter how many memory charms were applied and had to stop herself from retching.
Tom found the situation rather amusing.
They finally found a slightly quieter place to stop. Fred and George were breathing heavily. Ginny suppressed the urge to roll her eyes, they hadn't run that far or fast.
"Fred, you need to let go of my hand. I can't run as well otherwise and what if I need to use my wand?".
He nodded in grim acceptance.
"I know Dad said we need to go to the forest but Colin's parents are not far from here. We need to go and check on them. They're muggles and...".
She was cut off by George this time.
"Sorry, Ginny. Dad said to take you to the forest. We can't risk something happening to you because we wandered further into that mess".
"And we still need to find the others" George added.
Ginny sighed in frustration and Fred took her hand again, clearly not trusting her to run off.
They ran at a slightly more sedate pace than before. That is until they encountered spell fire. Ginny dropped to the floor dragging Fred with her as a bolt of red shot where they were standing a moment ago. Another came for them again which was shielded by George. When she stood she was relieved that Fred had finally decided that it was a better idea for them both to have full use of their wand arms.
The trees were closer now but somehow so was the noise. She could barely hear Fred and George beside her. The lights and fire of the campsite didn't quite reach them and Ginny lit her wand, quickly joined by the twins. There were less people filtering past them now some opting to head in further down the tree line.
They heard an explosion behind them and Fred yelled at her to run.
Another burst of people come from behind them, they twisted and turned through the forest trying to find a quiet spot to rest. It was all going well until Ginny, distracted by a shout to her right stumbled over a tree stump and landed in a heap. It took a moment to reorient herself into a seated position.
"Fuck" she exclaimed "Gimme a hand, Fred?"
"Fred?"
"George?"
There was no sign of the twins amongst the thinning crowd and she had no idea which path they'd taken. She just knew it would be a bad idea to call out for them too loudly and announce that she, a thirteen year old girl, was alone.
...
Ginny grit her teeth and stood testing her leg. It was fine, a little sore but not unstable. Ginny thanked Merlin. She spent about five minutes poking through the trees but found no sign of her brothers. With a sigh she turned and headed back out towards the campsites. It would be easier to find Xeno, Luna and Colin than her brothers in the dark forest.
She hid behind a tree and disillusioned herself and dampened the sound of her steps. Slowly but surely she snuck out, ducking behind trees and avoiding people not knowing who was friend or foe. A small boy was crying on his own and a violent orange light head towards him. She blocked it without thinking and soon a harried looking woman came rushing in grabbing the child and staring around wildly. She could almost hear a thank you calling back as the woman ran off.
The closer she got to the campsite, the more carefully she had to pick through the crowd. She stuck close to the tree trunks and hoped nobody would bump into her.
Eventually the crowd thinned and only a few new strangers entered the forest. Ginny hid behind a tree and peaked out at the campsite. There was a cloaked figure stumbling around setting a tent on fire. She caught them with a stunner to the back and used a small bit of wind to blow out the small patch of fire before it spread ignoring Tom's voice telling her to finish the job and kill the cloaked figure. For some reason, he seemed to be feeling particularly murderous against these cloaked figures though Ginny had no idea why. He refused to give any further information so instead Ginny plucked the wand from the cloaked figure's hand.
She finally reached Xeno's plot. The wizard in question was standing outside, wand drawn and face fiercer than she could ever have imagined. He looked startled to see her and hurried her inside.
Inside was a mini-barricade. The sacks and coffee table had been piled up to make a rudimentary wall. Colin and Luna stood behind it with wands raised while the other Creeveys stood further back wringing their hands. They jumped when she entered but welcomed her quickly.
"Ginny! We were so worried. Your tent was so much closer to everything. Where is everyone? What happened?" The blonde asked.
Ginny explained how they had split up and that she had then lost Fred and George. How she had been so worried about them all. She didn't realise she had been shaking until her friends held her tight.
She walked over to Dennis who was shaking next to his parents.
"Heya Den, you haven't got your wand yet – right?" He shook his head.
"Ok, well I took this off a bad wizard. Usually you're only supposed to do magic when you've been taught how unless it's accidental but I want you to take this just in case".
Dennis took the wand with shaking hands.
"If the worst happens and Mr Lovegood, Luna, Colin and I are all unable to use our wands I want you to use that one to protect yourself and your parents. Only use it as a last resort. Do you understand?".
"Y...yes. But, I don't know any spells".
"You won't need them. Trust me".
He nodded and his parents gave her a weak smile.
...
Meanwhile, Luna had brewed them all strong cups of tea – the magical way this time. Ginny could feel it replenishing some of her energy. When had her throat become so dry?
In silent agreement, Colin stayed behind to stand guard over his family while Luna and Ginny headed back outside. They met Xeno at the front and Luna handed him his tea. He gulped it down immediately without any concern for the temperature.
"You're safer inside" he said, without any accusation.
"But you're safer with us here, Daddy" Luna replied.
"I suppose you're right, Lunabelle. Have your wands at the ready".
Things seemed to get worse as the fire spread closer. They worked together with a couple of the neighboring tents to keep the area clear. Any fires were extinguished straight away and any stray children and families were welcomes into their tent while the injured went next door.
Their fighting power only increased in strength as each fleeing person joined them. Opting to take a stand rather than retreat into the forest.
Ginny was ruthless and cut down anyone who seemed at all dangerous. Luna tied them up with a nifty spell she learned to tie up bundles of wood and they put them in an empty tent without their wands. Better to be safe than sorry.
With numbers on their side, no battle lasted long. At one point a cloaked figure burst into the clearing and started attacking Xeno. Xeno held them off admirably with a series of strangely coloured spells, one of which seemed to root the assailant's feet to the floor. Ginny took the opportunity to stun them and they were consequently added to a new tent which they called definitely dangerous. A couple of their fighters stood guard over them preventing their escape if they were to wake up.
Soon, word seemed to have spread and more innocents and less cloaked figures made it into their clearing. Aside from the odd, murderous interruption which was swiftly dealt with, all was quiet.
Then the dark mark came. Ginny had no idea what it was when it first appeared from the forest. A deathly green skull and snake luminated the sky and screams punctuated the air. Everyone was panicked and the adults in the group pushed the children back and took a firmer stance with a resolute nod of their heads. But nobody else came.
...
In the early hours of the morning Bill came running by covered in ash and looking distressed.
"Ginny!" He called.
She answered immediately and he turned to look surprised at their blockade. The group parted to allow him through and he enveloped her in a hug.
"The twins said they lost you all and nobody knew where you were".
"We lost Ron, Harry and Hermione first. Then I tripped and lost the twins too" she whispered, emotion finally catching up with her.
"She has been a massive help securing this part of the site. In fact, she's probably stunned more people than anyone else here. We have tents for injured, dangerous and potentially dangerous set up if you could send the ministry workers our way. Children should not be underestimated" Xeno commented his usual airiness replaced by something firmer.
"Indeed, thank you, Xeno. And everyone. If everything is ok here I'll take Gin to join the others. They're worried sick".
After a quick round of hugs from her friends, the Lovegoods and the Creeveys they headed out.
Bill squeezed her shoulder "You did good, Gin. I'm glad your safe. Are you really ok?".
Ginny felt like she had bit hit by a wave of exhaustion. "Mmm, just tired".
She barely noticed the smoking ruins of tents as they made it back.
When they reached the Weasley plot Dad came out of nowhere and pulled her into a tight hug. She grunted with the impact and hugged him back. Before anyone could speak Bill jumped in.
"She tripped and the twins didn't notice" he said glaring at the two who looked suitably ashamed.
"She found her way to Xeno's tent and has been helping to protect the area and capture assailants for Merlin knows how long and is exhausted. All questions can wait until the morning".
Ginny wobbled slightly unsteady on her feet and Bill caught her. Her carried her to bed and tucked her in with a kiss to the forehead.
You're weak, Ginevra. You're exhausted after one measly battle. Anybody remotely strong would wipe the floor with you.
Shut up, Tom. She mumbled as she drifted off.
I hope you've all had a calmer month than I have!
Thank you turanga4 for your comment! Thank you too Herbert Fleet! I really appreciate your kind words and the time you spent to share them with me
I love hearing everyone's ideas! Please do drop me a comment if you have any.
~ Fiona