Thread: Harry Potter and What Really Happened After Voldemort (solvaris & darkangel76)

Disclaimer All main characters are in compliance with site rules. The sky was unusually dark, the stars that typically twinkled shone down were shrouded in clouds as they made their way across the seemingly endless expanse of pitch. Ginny looked up, dark eyes narrowing as she desperately searched for any signs of light. But it was no use. There was none to be found and it hardly helped that she was standing outside the last place she ever expected to be ever since she recalled her father mentioning the nameMalfoy. She turned her head and glanced at her two best friends, each one flanking her sides as if ready to protect her should something go wrong. A silly notion. For what could possibly go wrong? Ginny's expression suddenly turned, her nose crinkling slightly as she looked upon both Hermione and Luna. The two had stuck by her side when everything went to hell. So much blood had been spilled, so many lives had been lost. She ran her fingers through her red tresses, a wild strand getting caught behind her ear. How she missed her brother and her father. Their deaths still hitting everyone very hard. Even Dumbledore was gone, the loss of the beloved headmaster of the most renowned school in all of the magical world. Even the boys of Durmstrang had to admit there was something special about Hogwarts. Now Voldemort was gone. Defeated by the legend of legends and her brother, Ron's, best friend. Ginny had pined for the boy who lived for so long she wasn't sure if what she felt was real or just familiar. With everything turned upside down, it was easy to grasp at the familiar. Holding on with a grip of steel while your wand was brandished and ready to let even the most malevolent of curses. But it had gotten worse. Nothing was over...it was just beginning. Well? Hermione spoke, interrupting Ginny's small escape to dream land as she thought about the trials and tribulations of life. Hermione's dark eyes glittered despite the lack of light. Lumos, she said, in a harsh whisper. The tip of Hermione's wand sparked to life, illuminating her face along with Luna's and Ginny's. Ginny frowned, Sorry, she said softly. Luna reached out and placed a gentle hand against Ginny's shoulder. Ginny smiled weakly, which only earned a huff from Hermione. We've no time for this, Hermione said quickly. It was clear she was anxious, uncertain that this was the best idea. Though she'd thought things through, using her skills in arithmancy to aid her, the smartest witch at Hogwarts had her doubts. Let's just get this over with. We all want Harry back. At that, Hermione just sighed. Ginny looked into her friend's eyes. Hermione was so brilliant, yet so blind. She had no idea of her turmoil over Harry's sudden disappearance, the fact that she was grappling with her true feelings for the boy she'd supposedly crushed on during her many years at school. Of course, we do, Ginny said, trying to sound reassuring. Luna tilted her head, her blue eyes distant as she took in the two witches every word. Suddenly, she turned her head. She could've sworn she heard a snarffle. Shaking her head and focusing on the moment, she removed her hand from Ginny's shoulder and let it fall to her side. She glanced over her shoulder. Ron and Neville stood a ways off. Her eyes shifted to Neville, lingering a moment or three. The two boys had every right to detest this plan, to hate the favor they'd all have to pay as a result. Hermione shook her head. Ron, I can hear you seething from here, she said. Though it was only a guess. However, she knew Ron hated Draco just as much as Harry. The blonde boy had been nothing but trouble for them all and for so long. Hermione looked back at Ginny. It has to be you, she went on. You've the least connection. Ginny sighed knowing Hermione was right. Still, it did nothing to quell her fears. She remembered how awful Draco had been to even her several years back. But they were running out of options and had to act. As it was, Hogwarts had to close early and all of them would resume classes in the fall. She knew her brother and Hermione would need to make up some classes, as would Harry. Harry. Just where was he...and why? Ginny could only hope that they'd all find out soon. Without any further hesitation, Ginny reached for the wrought iron door knocker. She could feel the enchantments that had been set into place. It wasn't a surprise. The Malfoys were wanted now, a family fallen. The Death Eaters were angered by them and everyone else loathed them. It was no wonder they needed the protective spells. Ginny knocked on the door, her muscles tense as she waited for the door to open.