A/N: Welcome back to chapter two! I am sure you're all eager to find out how the battle plays out, but we're not quite there yet... We do have some Bellatrix though.

They all woke up before dawn and prepared to leave. Breakfast got eaten quietly, goodbyes were said. Ginny made sure to say goodbye to Neville. She hugged him tightly.

"Give Bellatrix hell," Neville told her. "I know you've been dreaming about that for years."

She nodded. "I will. We will. Keep the castle going, will you?"

He smiled at her. "Of course. Good luck."

She snuck into Bill's room then. He braided her hair quietly into a tight braid that wouldn't bother her while they fought. When he was done, she braided his hair in turn.

"Do you ever cut it?" she asked.

"No. You?" He met her eyes.

She shook her head. "No, never. Not since I got to grow it out." She inspected her work. "All done. Looking handsome and Kingly."

"Can't say you look very Queenly today," he replied.

She laughed. "That's probably a good thing."

Then she went towards the stables. Hagrid greeted her.

"Morning, Hagrid."

"Morning, Queen Gwynnie," he replied.

She smiled. "Don't worry too much about us, okay?" She took Red by the reins to bring her around the castle and Lightning immediately fell into step. "As soon as we have news, we'll send word and you'll be one of the first to know."

He nodded. "Take care." He took out a tissue and blew his nose loudly. "Go on, go off and get ready," he said from behind the tissue.

Ginny suspected he may be hiding the fact that he was crying and so she walked on with the two horses. "I'll miss you!"

Slowly the group gathered in front of the castle. Harry, Ginny, her brothers and the guards that would join them. It also included the empty Queen's carriage. Alastor was already with the troops down the road, presumably yelling orders and waking up anyone who had dared to oversleep.

Hermione had come out shortly to say goodbye, she had hugged Harry and then gave Ron an awkward curtsy as a goodbye. Her brothers had lightly sniggered, but they had kept any comments to themselves. They mounted their horses, almost ready to leave.

"Ah, so Gwyn has his horse back," Justin commented. "The Queen seems keen on lending it."

Ginny's head turned to Harry and she lifted her hands. 'Train horse', she signed.

Harry nodded in understanding and turned to Justin. "Gwyn prefers if his horse is continuously trained leading up to the battle. The wedding was a good occasion for a different setting." He glanced back at her. "And I thought the colours matched the Queen rather nicely."

The hand sign she gave now was a little rude, but she kept it out of sight of the people behind them. Harry shook his head and rode close to her, and his voice dropped to a whisper. "That's treason, my love."

"Stop looking at me like that, you're going to give me away," she muttered lowly.

Harry's eyes averted and he moved away from her quietly. The last two guards arrived on their horses. Harry counted the heads. Twenty-one guards, six brothers. "We're complete, let's go."

The sun was still not up when they arrived at the army's camp. Though it was all packed up now and all the men were ready to leave. The majority of them were on horse, the rest would have to take turns as they walked. Amongst them were Healers, some cooks including Walto and a few helpers with varying skills that may come in useful.

Alastor rode up to them. "Now that's one of the most impressive armies I've seen in my time. Our chances are good."

Ginny looked over it too. Rumour had it Bellatrix likely only had half that number and many of them would be too young, too weak or both. She gave an approving nod to Harry.

Slowly the caravan started moving. Alastor at the front with Harry, Bill and Ginny. The other brothers broke off to find the section they were assigned to. The squad leaders joined their groups too, ensuring the army remained organised as they travelled. They barely stopped, determined to reach the border before evening. As they crossed towns, people would appear out of houses and shops to watch them come by, waving eagerly and wishing them good luck.

Only during lunch did they allow for a longer break so the horses could rest. Ginny nervously twirled her dagger between her fingers to have something to do.

"You're going to lose fingers like that," Percy commented.

From where she was sitting away from the rest, her helmet was open and she glared at him. "I could do this in my sleep."

"Please don't," Harry muttered. Then he grinned at her.

"We're leaving!" Alastor said far too quickly.

Everyone rose from where they had been resting. Red immediately took her position again, she knew the movement meant they were about to leave again. Lightning followed her example and did the same. They seemed rather well-behaved together.

As the river that separated the two countries came into view, it became clear they had not expected an attack so soon. They met with the small group of men Lady Pomona had stationed at the border to guard it. They reported there was only a group of a hundred men on the other side, put there just in case.

"We should attack quickly, so we avoid fighting on the bridge or worse, destroying it," Alastor suggested. "That could cause unnecessary difficulty."

As soon as Harry gave a nod in agreement, Alastor moved. "Prince William's group, Sir Gwyn and Prince George's group, move to the front and be ready to attack!"

While the whole caravan stayed in formation, within it people moved to the front or to the back. From the outside, it didn't immediately look like they were preparing to attack. Ginny glanced over at Harry. Adrenaline was pumping. This would be an easy win to start with and then they were already in Harpia. Now that they could see the enemy, Ginny was eager to start fighting.

When Alastor decided they were close enough, he gave the sign. Red took off immediately. Ginny pulled out her sword and held it close to her body, ready to attack. The first cluster of opponents were on the bridge before them but most of them were not on horse. Ginny quickly set her sights on the commander at the front. Taking out any leader was terrible for morale and usually made the ones behind scatter in fear.

The sound of hooves grew louder and the noise increased as metal clashed against metal and screams filled the air. One hit from Ginny and their commander was without a sword, his hand all but severed from his wrist. She knew Alastor was right behind her to finish the job as she pushed on, Harry and Bill beside her, swinging their swords too, taking two or three people out at a time. The enemy was not prepared for an attack of this magnitude.

They crossed the bridge in no time and set foot on Harpian land. She paused as the men behind her flooded into Harpia and spread out, taking on the group in front of them. The tiniest push against Red's side and she was off again, riding straight for the next commander. He must have seen how quickly the first one had been taken care of. His horse leapt backwards as he pulled on the reins, but Ginny didn't slow down.

"Pull back!" the commander said. "Pull back!"

The shout was repeated and quickly they backed up until they were out of their army's reach. Ginny paused Red as she watched the group run down the old King's Road.

Harry pulled up beside her. "If this whole thing goes this smoothly, it is looking good."

"I wish," Ginny said. She petted Red. "Good girl. Great work." She looked behind her.

They had suffered no casualties but a few had gotten wounded. The rest of their army streamed in now, cheering triumphantly.

"Do we wait for Ron?" Alastor asked.

Ron and his group had made a small detour to stop by Nidus and stock up on food from Lady Pomona. Ginny shook her head.

"They can catch up," Harry said. "Let's continue." He looked over at Bill, who nodded in agreement.

The wounded were pulled onto horses, one was no longer able to fight and would be brought to Nidus by two escorts. Overall, it was looking rather good.

"Smells like home, doesn't it?" Ginny asked Bill.

Bill eyed her. "Smells like blood for the most part."

She shrugged. "That will wash away soon."

Percy rode past them with a small group of five soldiers.

Bill nodded in approval. "He should be able to reach the rebels and alert them. Most live in the capital so I am hopeful they will show up."

"I am sure they will," Ginny told him.

They trod on, the sun was already low on the horizon, and they wanted to set up camp before night had fallen completely.

As they neared the castle, they got more cautious, but they didn't encounter anyone on their way.

It seemed Bellatrix had kept all her troops to protect the castle. They chose to set up camp on the side of the woods, where it parted by the King's road. They'd be in view regardless, but this way they received some protection from the trees and would provide some cover if they needed to make an escape.

Tents were quickly set up, fires started to warm their cold hands and toes.

"Are you sure you want to go talk to her?" Alastor asked as Harry, Ginny and four guards readied themselves.

"It's the right thing to do," Harry told him. "We can't attack without at least giving her a chance.

Alastor grumbled. "Do you think she would give you the same opportunity?"

"Does that mean I shouldn't?" Harry retorted.

With the last bit of sunlight of the day, just a few streaks of pink across the sky, they moved towards the castle. Ginny couldn't help but let her eyes dance over the castle. She had only lived seven years of her life here, but it had been her happiest years.

As they neared the castle, the gates opened, and a group of eight people rode out. They were outnumbered by two. In the middle rode Queen Bellatrix. Long black hair and large, hollow eyes that never strayed from them as she neared him, sitting proudly upon her horse. She was armed with a sword and her dagger and was at least a head taller than Ginny.

Ginny felt very tempted to take out her sword and kill Bellatrix now. It would mean certain death for her too, but it would be done. Her fingers curled around the hilt of her sword as she watched the woman that had been responsible for so much of her pain and hardship.

"I believe congratulations are in order," Queen Bellatrix said airily as she halted in front of them. "Can't believe there were any redheads left to marry."

It seemed like an insult, but Ginny knew she was fishing for information. She wanted to know if there were truly any Harpian Royals alive because it weakened her claim immediately.

"Thank you," Harry said, icy calm. "I do apologise for not inviting you. I know you didn't have time to spare and I wanted to save you the embarrassment of having to decline."

Bellatrix tilted her head. "Come now, dear Henry. No time for pleasantries, or did you think you could land an army in my front yard and I wouldn't notice?" The end of her sentence sounded like a hiss.

"I wanted to give you an opportunity to do the right thing," he told her. His breath came out in clouds in the cold air. "Harpia was never yours to take, and I believe you have overstayed your welcome."

Bellatrix's eyebrows rose curiously but she did not reply.

"I am a fair King, I'd like to think. If you leave Harpia tonight, you can go back to Ogyon, which has always been rightfully yours and that will be the end of it." His gaze was unwavering as he spoke. If he had any fear, he did not show it.

"They put a child on a throne and think he can come teach me a lesson." She cackled in feigned amusement. Her laughter sounded deranged as it echoed over the silent field.

"I haven't been a child for a long time," Harry shot back. "And I suppose I have you to thank for that." He gestured towards himself. "You must be very disappointed to see me so alive and well."

She opened her mouth to speak but Harry didn't let her.

"Peter sends his regards; you may pray you do not join him soon."

Bellatrix's expression didn't falter. "What is it going to be, Henry?"

"If you do not want to take this very generous offer, we will fight and we will win. We will take Harpia, and we will take what's left of Ogyon too." Lightning shuffled nervously and Harry put his hand against his neck to soothe him.

"I am not going anywhere," Bellatrix told him.

Harry looked at her unblinkingly. "Then you have sealed your faith."

Her eyes widened ever so slightly at his boldness. "And you have sealed yours."

It was decided, tomorrow they would fight.

They had barely turned their horses and set back off towards their camp when Bellatrix's voice reached them again, like a carrying whisper. "Kill them."

They immediately sped up, pushing the horses to go faster but they had walked and worked all day and they weren't quite reaching the speed of their assailants. Ginny stuck up two fingers. "Follow me."

She signed for Harry to continue, and she turned around with two guards on her heels. She raced towards the five people pursuing them. She took out her sword and the guards did the same on either side of her.

The person in front of her set his eyes on her. He had his sword raised high, already giving away his move. She kept it on her left side across her body and when she was within reach her arm moved quickly and swiftly. Her sword hit him in his chest, enough to knock the wind out of him and she ducked for his sword. Immediately as she came out of that, she faced the next person as she could hear the guard behind her attack too. She had to trust they were doing well.

She saw the saddle was ever so slightly loose and she took her chance. She got her feet out of the stirrups in one swift move, letting go of the reins and sheathing her sword. Red knew what she was meant to do. And with as much force as she could muster, she leapt towards the man with her whole body.

As soon as her added weight landed on him, the saddle twisted. Ginny braced for the fall on the frozen ground and rolled, clapping her hands. Red had already turned around and made her way to her. Ginny pushed off the ground and held out her hands. She grabbed onto Red's saddle and pulled up. She had barely taken out her sword again when the injured assailants thought better of it. This had not been the quick assassination they had thought it would be. One was bleeding on the floor, thanks to Nigel. The one she had knocked off his saddle had ended up under his own horse's hooves. The other three had been rattled enough to decide it was not worth it. Not this time. Ginny took off with Nigel and Ernest, glancing to check they were not pursued.

They reached the camp again and Ginny dismounted.

"With the utmost respect," Alastor told Harry, who was catching his breath beside the Head Guard. "But I told you so."

"I fight fairly, that is not a flaw," Harry insisted.

Nigel looked at Ginny with wide eyes. "Gwyn, that may have been the coolest thing I've ever seen. I didn't think you were going to get back up on that horse."

She bowed her head. "Good work too."

"Indeed," Alastor agreed. "Nigel and Ernest, you can sit out the first wave tomorrow. Great work. Go to sleep."

Ginny was still holding Red's reins when she pulled, and Ginny let go. Red walked the few paces up to Lightning and ducked her head under his chin. Ginny shook her head.

"Poor things," Harry said, petting both of them before handing them off to be put with the other horses.

They walked to the big tent and entered it. Ginny took off her helmet.

"The good news is, she still isn't quite sure if you all are alive," Harry told them. "Ironic considering one of you was right in front of her," he said, signing at Ginny. "And she has no intention of giving up easily."

"She is actually worse than the nightmares I had as a kid," she admitted. "She's foul."

Bill nodded. "Yeah. We know."

Alastor walked in. "Right. Tomorrow..."

When Alastor had finished his walk-through of the attack plan, Ginny was the first to escape the tent again. She crawled into her Knight tent, through the flap into their shared tent and put on a dress and then a cloak before walking out again.

She stilled, her heart beating. Something was off. Then she saw a shadow of a woman by the tent where the rest of her family still was. Without making a noise she walked towards the shadow, dagger already in her hand. The moment she saw the unfamiliar face of the woman, Ginny leapt forward, dagger at her throat.

She was a young woman, long blonde hair that seemed to shine almost as bright as the moon. A pretty face to go with it. "Wait wait!" she shrieked. "I am looking for Bill!"

Ginny didn't move but she heard someone come up behind her. "Who are you?"

"That's Fleur! Lower your dagger for fucks' sake," Bill said. He pushed past her and towards Fleur.

Ginny's body relaxed as Fleur almost leapt into Bill's arms and hugged him tightly. "Percy is guiding the rest of the rebels toward the camp; I just rode ahead to coordinate it."

Bill smiled at her. "Amazing. You're amazing." He took her arm. "Come on." He pulled her along and nodded towards Ginny and they walked back into the tent.

Bill pointed at her. "My sister, new Queen of Ignotia and her husband, King Harry of Ignotia."

Fleur curtsied. "Nice to meet you."

"I am sorry I almost stabbed you," Ginny told her.

"That's fine," Fleur said. "It also took some convincing for the guards to let me in."

"She's more of a stab first, talk later type," her brother told Fleur.

She smiled. "That I can relate to." She looked up at Bill.

"How many did you bring?" he asked her.

"About 200 but once you win, we can set the whole network to work to get this country up and running again."

Bill's eyes softened considerably. "Thank you."

Fleur beamed up at him. "This is what you've been talking about all this time. We are doing it."

He nodded. "Let's go talk with the guards so we can let the rest of you through. Come on." He ducked out of the tent, Fleur in tow.

Ginny walked to Harry. "What do you think? Future Queen of Harpia?"

"Probably," he nodded in agreement. "We know he's into her and I saw how she looked at him just now... But you almost killed her."

She shrugged. "Rite of passage in my book."

Harry and Ginny walked out of the tent as they were coming around with the food. He settled down by the fire and Ginny came to sit beside him.

Walto appeared with bowls of stew and handed them out. "Where do I leave Gwyn's? Lucretia made me promise her that I'd make sure he was fed."

"You can leave it here," Ginny said. "We'll get it to him." She took the second bowl and put it beside her.

Harry looked over at Ginny, his own bowl of stew in his hands. "Doesn't Lucretia know?"

She nodded. "She does."

The rest of her brothers joined too, safe for Bill and Percy who were busy coordinating with the rebels.

"Lady Pomona said she was willing to trade some of her food reserves with Harpia," Ron said. "She only stocks up so much to accommodate all the people fleeing from Harpia. If they can remain, we can simply move the food."

"We can't fix the food shortage now, it'll be a while before crops start growing again," Charlie added.

"Rumour has it that there is more food, but Bellatrix prefers to keep them to host feasts with endless food, while the people outside starve." Harry shook his head. "Ignotia usually has food to spare, thanks to Xydite. We can make sure everyone is fed."

Ginny took up the second bowl. "I can share if you ask nicely." She smiled at him.

"You deserve that second serving, go for it." He undid the tie in her braid and then ran his fingers through her hair.

She leaned in closer to him as he continued to comb his fingers through her hair. "I honestly think we're better fed tonight than her troops are. And we brought our food." The flickering flames of the fire covered her hair in a warm hue.

"You're probably right," Harry agreed. "Can I have another bite?"

She nodded and pulled the bowl up higher before offering him the spoon and fed it to him carefully. Harry thought he saw Charlie roll his eyes at their antics.

"More?" Ginny asked and he nodded.

Somewhere further Walto was shouting, asking for people who wanted a second serving to come around. Charlie and Fred stood up with their bowls and walked towards the sound. Ginny fed Harry another spoon and smiled softly as it dripped down his chin. Her hand reached out and wiped it away.

"Do you two mind?" Ron groaned. "There is a battle looming."

"It's my honeymoon," she told him innocently. "And we're not even kissing."

"Aren't we?" Harry said, his hand coming to her side.

Her whole expression softened as she chuckled, and she looked down at her bowl. "I guess we can wait." Her eyes locked with his. "But we could go to bed soon. Rest is important."

"Well, finish your bowl then."

While it was cosy by the fire, the moment he stepped away from it, it felt like the cold seeped into his bones again immediately. He undressed and got under the furs but he was still cold. Ginny walked back into their tent and took off her cloak and then quickly shed the rest of her clothes.

He watched her as crawled into the makeshift bed too. She faced him.

"Relax your body," she told him.

"I'm cold," he responded. His body tensed of its own accord. "Aren't you?"

"I am," she replied. "Just more used to it."

She pulled at his hands and placed them against her, making contact with the soft warm skin of her stomach. She shifted closer to him. Toes heating against calves and his knee wedged between her hot, firm thighs.

His body let out another shudder and then his muscles finally started to relax as they warmed up together, wrapped in a tight embrace. He kissed her softly. Soon it was cosy and warm under their furs. Ginny shifted her hips towards him, slowly grinding up against him. His hands shifted from her stomach to her hips. Her leg hitched up higher. He pushed into her smoothly and a moan escaped his throat.

"Keep quiet," she muttered against his lips. When it came to noise, the tents didn't offer much cover.

"I'm trying," he replied. His arms wrapped around her further until all space between them was eliminated. Bodies synchronised moving slowly and sweetly.