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

Hermione just blinked as Ginny dashed out of the room. In a flash of red, she was already bolting up the stairs and swallowed up by the dim lighting even her own wand couldn't reach to illuminate. Well, Hermione said aloud, a brow arching as she watched the youngest Weasley leave. What got her all eager to check things out? She glanced at the window, but didn't see anything overly interesting at all. The brunette dared to side step just a little for a better peek. Still...nothing. She sighed then. I'm sure she just wants to find Harry, Luna said, her blue eyes far off and distant. We all do, she then added for good measure. She'll be fine exploring the upstairs. At that, the blonde grinned, her eyes shifting down to look at Neville's hand holding her own as he gave it a squeeze. She had to admit, it felt nice for someone to not shy away for once. She allowed herself a moment before standing up, Neville still holding onto her hand. Honestly, Luna half expected Neville to protest. After all, he was practically second in command of the DA. Yes, she knew both Ron and Hermione...perhaps even Ginny...were the likely witches and wizards people would expect to rise up to the task of leading, but it had been Neville who'd done it. The trio had gone, disappeared and Ginny had seemed too upset and preoccupied at the time. So Neville had done what none of them could. He faced the challenge and took it on like the Gryffindor he was. He'd protected the school. He'd protected them all. And who was she? Oh, Luna knew full well who she was. Despite her apparent aloofness, she was well aware that most thought her 'looney'. She'd heard the names people whispered under their breath, seen the odd looks they often times gave her and noticed the wide berth in which most seemed to give her when they passed by. But Neville had never done that. Not once. Whether intentional or not, she appreciated that. In fact, it made her feel the most accepted she'd ever been. Shall we go, Neville? Luna asked as she tugged Neville along. She saw Hermione staring as she edged toward the hallway. If you find anything strange, send a spell our way, Hermione offered. Though she was certain the two would be fine. She'd been secretly running a spell searching for traps the moment they'd entered the mansion and nothing appeared to be out of line. So far. At that, Hermione turned toward Ron, her dark eyes looking at him with uncertainty. So, she began. What should we do first? Meanwhile, Ginny was upstairs and ready to explore her first room. She hesitated another moment as her hand twisted the knob and she was about to open the door. Just do it, she said softly to herself, trying to bolster her confidence, to bring her courage to the forefront. Setting her jaw, she pushed on the heavy wood. It was harder to open the door than she expected. But Ginny was slowly finding her nerve as she peeked inside and saw...nothing. She wasn't sure what she expected to find. A part of her had hoped to catch Draco unawares, to show him that he wasn't the only one who could pull off a silly scare. He was clearly trying to frighten them all by returning a different way. She was sure of it. Then again... Ginny looked at the floor feeling ashamed. What did she honestly know about Draco? She hadn't even been aware he'd been turned. Biting down on her lower lip, she wondered what that must've been like. She decided it had to have been a terrible ordeal. Terrifying. Just then, she noticed the crumpled robes on the floor. Her eyes went wide and then shifted right at the window. Was Draco there? Or was that a mess from another time? Ginny certainly wasn't sure, but it was evidence enough that she'd found a room the blond boy must frequent. Ginny moved toward the window, her slender fingers gripping the stony edge as she peered outside. The air was so much chillier outside. She shivered and took a step back, her hands rubbing at her arms as the cold air seeped into her bones. I'm being silly, Ginny whispered, a small, nervous smile playing on her lips. She felt her cheeks grow warm, the need for answers growing as a strange sensation of fear washed over her. She then walked over to the robes and picked them up, her dark eyes studying the fabric. Suddenly, Ginny's eyes widened the moment her fingers felt the encrusted blood. She gasped, her heart racing. Dropping the clothing, she frantically glanced around the dark room, wondering if she was truly alone or in a trap ready to be sprung. H-hello? she asked, her voice sounding small to her ears. She winced just then, unsure if she was letting her imagination get the better of her or if she'd just truly lost it.