A/N - This chapter has a character death.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The First Loss
Harry stirred slowly, feeling a tickle on his nose. He scratched it slowly, only to feel the silky fibers of someone's hair. His hand caressed it slowly, and he smiled warmly when he felt a set of lips press sweetly against his cheek.
`Morning' Hermione cooed, relaxing her head on Harry's shoulder. Without opening his eyes, he turned his head slightly, and kissed her forehead slowly. He pulled away, and looked down to find Hermione resting peacefully on his chest.
They were still in the common room. The night before, they continued their slow drawn out kisses for a while, and moved off the floor, and onto Harry's chair in front of the Christmas tree. As night deepened, they relied less on their kissing, and more on just being close to each other. Hermione sat down on Harry's lap, and the two slowly drifted into sleep; the glow of the Christmas lights fading in their eyes.
Harry, feeling Hermione's beautiful warmth and sweet scent, gave her a gentle squeeze, and closed his eyes once more; resting his head against hers.
He could not think of a more peaceful moment in his life. Just the two of them, sitting so tenderly in front of a soothing hearth, while an audience of Christmas lights sparkled like diamonds in the night sky. Looking at her pose and face, he realized Hermione never looked so serene. He wanted to stay in this seat forever, more for her than for himself.
He could feel Hermione dozing back to sleep, as the dark indigo of the sky showing through the side of a window allowed Harry to know it was early morning. He again closed his eyes, and held Hermione close. Being caught in the beautiful place between wakefulness and sleep, Hermione breathed deeply, and cuddled closer to Harry, kissing him gently on his neck, which caused him to shiver with sudden, but calm lust. He smiled once more, relaxed his head, and fell once more to sleep.
The second time Harry woke, he found dull sunlight tiptoeing around the drapes, and basking the common room in a light hue of grey. He moved his arms, and was surprised to find Hermione was no longer on him. Opening his eyes fully, he found her sitting in front of the fireplace, watching the flames trickle upwards. He moved on the seat, and she turned her head around.
`How long have you been up?' Harry ask groggily, sitting at the edge of his seat, and stretching out his arms and back. Hermione turned around, and got up.
`Only a few minutes. You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you' she said quietly. She walked over to Harry, and he stood up slowly. She stopped a few inches away, and draped her arms around his neck, while he placed his hands on the small of her back.
They shared a slow, and sensual kiss, and hugged each other longingly. Harry just still could not comprehend what happened. He actually told Hermione everything, and now they were kissing each other. He couldn't stop a small laugh escape his mouth, and Hermione pulled back and looked at him oddly.
`What?'
`I guess we're going out?' Harry chuckled softly. Hermione moved her hands to the back of Harry's head, and pulled him back down. They shared another small kiss, and Harry smiled when he looked at her.
`Is that a yes?' he smirked.
`That's a yes' she whispered, beaming at him. Harry laughed, and they kissed once more. Harry was so full of happiness, he picked her up, and slowly revolved on the spot. She squeaked at first, making Harry smile, then leaned on his chest, allowing her heart to flutter with the excitement. Harry placed her back down slowly; her tiptoes, then her entire feet touching the floor, and they once more parted their lips. Harry could get used to kissing Hermione this much.
`Shall we go to breakfast?' Hermione asked. Harry sighed, kissed her forehead, and nodded.
They parted, and went to their dormitories to change into different clothes. Harry continued to smile as memories from the night popped into his mind, and he laughed at how wonderful he felt. Voldemort could be right next to him, and he wouldn't be bothered.
Harry came down, Hermione coming a moment later, and giving Crookshanks--who was lying sprawled on the rug in front of the hearth--a lazy pat, they walked out the portrait hole hand in hand. Once they entered the hallway, they heard a small laugh from behind. Turning around, Harry found Evander beaming intensely at the two Heads.
`Good morning you too. Merry Christmas' he said joyfully.
`Merry Christmas Evander. Why are you in such a good mood?' Hermone asked. Evander's face turned slightly pink, and he continued to smile immensely.
`Even though it happens every year, I just can't help but be happy for Hogwart's Heads on Christmas Eve. So much love in the air, it's wonderful.'
`Every year?' Harry questioned. Hermione looked up at Evander, and had the same expression she had when she knew the answer to a hard question.
`"The tradition never dies!" That's it!' Evander bowed slowly, and Harry looked at Hermione. `Every year, the Head Boy and Girl fall in love on Christmas Eve.'
`Quite so Hermione. It's been happening for generations. I felt bad for your friend Ron at the beginning of the year, because I knew you and him would be breaking up' Evander addressed to Hermione. `Plus I saw you and Harry, and you looked like you were meant for each other.' He smiled at the two of them, and Hermione squeezed Harry's hand gently.
`Well, we're off to have breakfast. Thanks Evander' Harry said. Evander waved farewell, and the two continued along to the Great Hall.
`Do you think it's a spell?' Harry asked, as they started down a chilly and deserted hallway. Hermione remained silent for a moment, then turned around and faced Harry, pulling him close, and looking into his eyes deeply. Harry chuckled at the aggressive move. To Harry, Hermione was never one to show aggression in anything outside Elf-rights or studying.
`I doubt this is a spell' she said quietly, inclining upwards and kissing Harry. They lingered in the deserted and cold hallway for a moment, then continued on, after Harry's stomach gave a growl, making Hermione laugh.
Once they entered through the doors, the small amount of people at Gryffindor table burst into cheers and hollers once they looked at the two for a moment. Harry and Hermione both blushed intensely, and Harry's eyes immediately fell onto Ron and Ginny. To his relief, both were clapping and beaming at the two of them. Harry smiled, and the two of them, Hermione's eyes watering a little, sat down at the table.
`So you finally pulled it off hey Harry' Dean clapped, giving Harry a pat on the back. Harry smiled, and sat down in front of Ron, and the two men looked at each other for a moment.
`Way to go mate' Ron said with a lighthearted chuckle. He extended his hand, and Harry, laughing and feeling his eyes water, accepted, and they shared a firm handshake. Harry then started getting some food, wiping his eyes before tears could form.
`So did you open your gifts?' Ron asked, taking a bite of some toast.
`Actually no, we didn't' Hermione answered.
`Too busy I imagine?' Dean offered, the group breaking into laughter; Harry and Hermione both ducking their heads and blushing. Everyone continued with breakfast in a lighthearted mood, and Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, and Ginny came back to the East Tower.
`Thanks for the gift Harry. It's amazing!' Ron expressed happily. Harry got Ron an invisibility cloak from the twin's shop, since Harry's was too small now to fit over more than two people.
`So what did Harry get you for Christmas?' Ginny asked Hermione. She pulled out the silver locket, and showed it to Ginny. Ginny looked in closely, and opened it and read the inscription.
`Oh, that's so sweet Harry' Ginny said. Harry smiled, and they approached Evander.
`Hello everyone. Merry Christmas! Password?'
`Snitches and studying. We need a new one though' Hermione said, looking over to Harry.
`Um, how about-' Harry leaned over, and whispered into her ear. She smiled when he pulled away.
`Perfect. It's different than the others, but shouldn't be a problem' Hermione attested. They looked up, and Evander beamed at them.
`New password will be "traditions and tarts' Harry announced. Evander bowed slowly, and his portrait swung open. Ron gave Harry an odd look as they all made their way in.
`How is that different?' he asked. Hermione turned and explained.
`Before, all the passwords were just something Harry loved, and something I loved put together. "Broomsticks and Books", you know, things like that. "Traditions and tarts" however, are things both of us like.' Ron nodded, and laughed, thinking only Hermione would put so much thought into a ruddy password.
Harry and Hermione went ahead, and opened their gifts. Ron gave Harry a very interesting watch. Much like the clock at the Weasley homestead, this watch had several hands, each having a small face attached to the end. The place where numbers usually appeared, were instead substituted by letters.
`What do the letters mean?' Harry asked. Ron took out a folded piece of parchment, and squinted at the small handwriting.
`Well, it's a lot like the clock at the Burrow. "S" means school, "T" means traveling, "L" means lost, "MP" still means mortal peril. Here, take a look.'
`Great, there's even a "D"' Harry noticed.
`What does that stand for?' Ron asked.
`Dead.'
`Oh . . . well, I'm sure none of us will be pointing at that anytime soon.' Ron smiled, looking over to Hermione, Ginny, and Luna, giving a smile. Harry thanked Ron for the gift, asking him to the side for a moment while Hermione was opening Ginny's gift, Luna looking on.
`Ron, are you sure about me and Hermione?' Harry looked at Ron carefully, and found Ron give a sigh, and his shoulders lower slightly.
`I'm happy for you two. Really, I am' Ron said.
`You're not saying everything' Harry responded. Ron looked out the window, and sighed again.
`Sorry, it'll just take some getting used to. Don't worry Harry, I'm happy, I really am; it just takes some time.' Harry turned to check on the girls, and looked back at Ron.
`It's the same with you and Luna. It's strange seeing you two together, but I'm happy for you.' Ron turned, and smiled. `We're good?' Harry asked.
`Can you just keep the kissing quiet for a while?' Ron requested quietly.
`No problem' Harry answered. Ron smiled again, and the two returned to the Christmas tree. The four of them stayed in the common room for a while, and left at noon for lunch. Harry, along with a reluctant Ron, wore Mrs. Weasley's sweaters. Harry's was dark green, with a gold lion on the front. Ron, who was expecting a red sweater, was pleased to see it was blue this year, with a red "R" on it.
At supper that night, while everyone enjoyed the Christmas Feast-Hermione disregarding the work of the house elves and digging in--Harry noticed someone was missing.
`Where's Topher?' he asked. Hermione and Ron looked up at the staff table, and their faces became confused.
`I thought he was staying around for Christmas?' Ron asked.
`He did say that' Harry answered. Hermione took another glance up and shrugged.
`I wouldn't worry about it Harry. Maybe he had some work do to.'
Once the feast was finished, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Luna went back to the East Tower common room, and played Exploding Snap. They invited Ginny, but she was meeting up with a friend to exchange gifts.
`Who is this guy?' Ron asked angrily. Ginny rolled her eyes.
`I'm not saying. You'll just go and try to scare him away you git.' With that, she turned, and walked towards Gryffindor Tower.
Harry and Hermione sat closely together, and enjoyed the time with Ron and Luna. Luna left after a short while, and Ron stayed for a few moments with his best friends.
`I wonder if Mum and Dad are doing alright' Ron pondered, sitting down in one of the chairs.
`When are they due back?' Hermione asked, who was sitting on the rug in front of the hearth.
`Tomorrow afternoon. We're supposed to go and see them. Are you guys coming?'
`Sure, if it's alright?' Harry asked.
`Of course it is' Ron answered, giving a stretch. `Well, I should get going. Congrats guys' he expressed, getting up. Hermione got up, and gave him a hug.
`Thanks Ron. Congratulations to you and Luna too' Ron smiled, and waving to Harry, left the common room.
Hermione walked over, and sat down in her chair. She looked at Harry, who was sitting in his chair, and she smiled at him.
'So are you going to see your parents?' Harry asked. She stretched slowly, and nodded in the process.
'Probably after tomorrow for a few days' she responded. She stood up, and walked over to Harry. She leaned down and kissed him on the cheek, then stood back up again.
'`Night Harry.'
'Goodnight Hermione.' She ambled her way up to her dormitory. Harry stayed in the common room for a few moments, then made his own way up to his inviting bed.
The next day, Harry along with Hermione, Ron, and Ginny went to the Burrow to meet up with the rest of the Weasley family. Bill and Fleur were planning on coming, as well as the twins. Charlie was too busy with work to come, and Mrs. Weasley once again sent an invitation to Percy, but received no reply.
Harry and the rest were sent to the Burrow via Floo connection in Professor Fourmove's office, which was McGonagall's office the previous year. They all arrived safely, and everyone except the twins were present, and of course Percy.
`How was France?' Ron asked, as his mother gave him a bone-crushing hug.
`Just wonderful. How is school? You don't write nearly as much as I'd like' she expressed, moving over and giving the same kind of hug to Hermione.
`Hogwarts is doing great. They're worried about how many students aren't returning, but we won't know until classes start' Hermione answered. Mrs. Weasley then moved to Ginny, and embraced her.
`Ginny has a boyfriend' Ron interjected. Ginny gave a glare worthy of her mother, and Mrs. Weasley smiled at her only daughter.
`That's nice to hear Ginny. Who is it?' Ginny whispered into her mother's ear for a moment, and Mrs. Weasley's face grew a pleasant smile.
`That's wonderful Ginny. And don't worry, not a word' she added, turning and giving Ron a stern look. Ginny beamed sarcastically to Ron, and he sighed, rolling his eyes.
`How are you Harry?' Mrs. Weasley asked, getting back to the hugs. She hugged Harry tightly, and he couldn't answer until she retracted.
`I'm fine' Harry answered. She looked him over for a moment, then smiled at him. All of them then made their way to the kitchen, were supper was being set up. Harry and Hermione brought up the rear, and just before they sat down, Mrs. Weasley turned and gasped when she saw them.
`Are you two seeing each other?' she breathed. Harry looked over, and realized they were holding hands. Everyone in the room was looking at the two, and Harry smiled.
`Yeah, we are.' Mrs. Weasley paused for a moment still looking at them, as if checking to see if it was true; then moved around the table, and hugged both of them tightly.
`Oh, I'm so happy for both of you!' she expounded happily. Arthur, Bill, and Fleur were all smiling at them, as well as Ron and Ginny. Bill got up, and turned to his father with a triumphant grin, his fang earring dangling around.
`I believe that's five Galleons dad' he announced happily. Arthur stubbornly reached into his pocket, and pulled out five gold coins, giving them to his son with an ill look on his face.
`Thank you!' Bill smiled, putting the coins in the pocket of his black jacket he was wearing. He sat back down, and noticed the odd looks on everyone's faces.
`I bet dad Harry and Hermione would be together by Christmas' he explained to everyone. Hermione looked over at him in surprise.
`Of course, you were Head Boy! So who was the Head Girl?' she asked eagerly. Bill shifted in his seat, and looked to his wife.
`Her name was Leanna. Leanna Lisenox. We started going out in our last year, around Christmas. We kept seeing each other after Hogwarts, but she died less than a month after being out of school.'
`Oh, I'm sorry Bill' Hermione said sympathetically. Bill smiled, and gave Fleur a small squeeze.
`It was a long time ago, and besides; things are great now' he affirmed. Everyone started on supper, and after twenty minutes or so, a knock came at the front door. Mr. Weasley got up, his wand in his hand, and yelled through the door.
'Who is it?'
'It's us, Fred and George. Open the bloody door, it's freezing out here!' Fred answered, though muffled from the door. Mr. Weasley put his head down for a moment in thought, then looked back at the door.
'What did Harry get Ron for Christmas?' he asked. Ron mentioned Harry's gift to the family just a few minutes earlier.
'An invisibility cloak, now open the ruddy door!' George answered. Arthur opened the door, and the twins finally made their way inside, trampling the snow off their feet.
`About time! Why are you late?' Mrs. Weasley questioned sternly. The twins looked at each other, and then surveyed everyone.
`Sorry Mum. Got caught up at work. Hi guys!' George answered, taking off his coat, and taking a seat, along with Mr. Weasley. Fred stayed standing, and looked slightly fidgety.
`What's wrong Fred?' Bill asked, putting down his fork down.
`Nothing. Um, Hermione, can I ask you something?' he asked hesitantly.
`Sure, what is it?' she asked. Fred looked at George, then looked back to Hermione.
`Well, it's sort of private. Can I ask you upstairs?' he asked again. Hermione quirked her brow, but nodded. She stood, and walked up the staircase, Fred in tow. Harry watched them wondrously, and Ron tapped him on the shoulder.
`Probably about a new product' he reckoned. Harry started back at his chicken, and conversation continued.
`How is business going George? You must be the only store left open on Diagon Alley' Mr. Weasley stated. George looked up the staircase, and didn't answer his father.
`George!' Arthur shouted. George's head snapped back, and looked to his father, and moved his food around on his plate.
`Sorry. Business is booming of course. How is Hogwarts?' he asked, turning to Harry.
`Hogwarts is fine. Professors are worried about how many students are coming back, but it should be alright. Are you OK?' he asked. George was acting a little odd, and kept looking at the staircase.
`No, of course, I'm-`
Right then, the door slammed open, and Baldric Branwen came running in. His face looked immensely determined, and when he observed the scene, his eyes came square on George. George, his face horrified, threw his chair backwards, and stood, reaching for his wand. Baldric raised his wand quicker though.
`Stupify!' he yelled. Geroge became rigid, and fell over with a dull thud. Everyone at the table stood instantly, and looked at Baldric in astonishment, all their wands pointed at the intruder.
`What are you doing!' Mrs. Weasley roared. Baldric closed the door, through which wind and snow was blowing in, and turned around.
'Wait! Baldric, what's your favourite Quidditch team?' Harry asked the tall, gangly looking man. It was a while ago they talked about Quidditch, but Harry remembered.
'The Falmouth Falcons, always and forever' he answered. Harry knew it was correct, because Baldric told him he always said "always and forever", because he was from Falmouth. Everyone looked at Harry, and he nodded, signalling it was the correct answer.
`I went to check on the twins, and found them unconscious in the back of their shop. I called Tonks to the shop, and came here as soon as possible. Where's the imposter Fred?' Baldric asked quickly. Harry's eyes opened wide, and he frantically bolted towards the stairs, while everyone yelled at him to wait.
He didn't know what he could walk into, if they were even there. He was so upset with himself for just letting someone walk in and take Hermione like that. He continued to hope she was still there, and alright.
He came to the second floor landing, and pushed open Ginny's room to find a bizarre sight.
Hermione was standing on the side of the room, her wand pointing at another Hermione who was lying on the floor. When Harry entered the room, the standing Hermione looked up at him and beamed warmly at him.
`Harry, it wasn't Fred. He brought me up here, and knocked me out. He must have taken Polyjuice Potion, because when I came to, he, or I should say she, was just about to take my wand, but I jinxed her just in time' she explained. The Hermione on the floor began to stir, and the standing Hermione moved forward, her wand pointing right at the other girl's heart.
`Uh . . . Harry! Harry, it's me, Hermione! She's an imposter!' the Hermione on the floor professed. By now, Ron and Baldric made their way up, and were standing behind Harry observing the situation.
`How are we going to tell?' Baldric asked. Harry knew of a sure way of knowing, but wasn't looking forward to doing it.
`Lower your wand' he said to the standing Hermione. She looked at him for a moment, and took a step forward at the Hermione on the ground.
'She's the imposter!'
'If you're the real Hermione, you'll trust me' Harry said slowly. Hermione still looked agitated, but lowered her wand. Ron came in, and took her wand, as well as the one on the floor, and stood back. Harry approached the Hermione on the floor, and knelt down; pointing his wand at her forehead.
`Legilimens'
Harry concentrated hard, and must have caught her off guard. There were no barriers, and he immediately found hundreds of memories flashing in his mind. He slowed them down, and found a silvery memory of two people in a wooded area. He focused more, and plunged into the memory.
Two people were hugging each other in a dark backyard. A black haired boy was breathing deeply, while a short brown haired girl cried quietly. Harry could see the girl sniffling, and burying her head in his shoulder.
`Be careful Harry, please' she whispered, her voice that of Hermione's. The boy stroked her back tenderly, and slowly moved his hands to her face, and moved so they looked at each other.
`I will be fine, and you will be too, alright? Everything will be fine' the boy affirmed, his voice that of Harry's. They looked at each other, and Hermione began nodding slowly. She looked up at him, smiled warmly, and moved in, kissing his cheek sweetly. Harry was blushing when she retracted, and the memory began to shimmer.
Harry pulled out of the spell, and found himself looking at Hermione on the floor of Ginny's room. She was smiling at him, and he grinned at her for a moment, then turned to the other Hermione. The fake Hermione looked at Harry, and lunged at Ron's hand, where he held the wands.
`Petrificus Totalus!' Harry yelled, but it was too late. The imposter was able to grab his or her wand, and Apparated before the spell hit. Baldric swore loudly, then came in and looked at Hermione.
`Are you alright?' he asked. Hermione slowly got up, helped by Harry, and nodded.
`He said they were coming here soon' she explained. Baldric looked at Ron, then Harry, and stood up.
`We need more Order members here now. I need to go and get them' he stated. He started out the door, but Harry stopped him.
`Wait. You need to stay with the imposter downstairs. The Order is everywhere; it'll take time to get people. I'll get them here' he assured. Baldric looked down the stairs, then nodded assertively to Harry.
`I'll come' Hermione declared.
`Me too' Ron added. The three of them made their way back downstairs, and found Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Fleur, and Ginny watching the fake George carefully--Bill with his wand trained on the imposter's chest. Mrs. Weasley was crying, while looking out the darkened window. She saw the three coming down, and she ran over and hugged Hermione.
`Oh dear, are you alright?'
`I'm fine, thanks to Harry. The imposter Fred said Death Eaters were coming here soon.'
`Soon! Oh no, we need to Floo the Order now! Arthur went to check the twin's shop' Mrs. Weasley stammered, walking over to the hearth hurriedly, and getting some Floo Powder. Harry walked to the door, and looked at the fake and unconscious George on the floor, then to Mrs. Weasley.
`I'm going to get Order members, don't worry Mrs. Weasley' said Harry. He walked out before she could ask how or protest, and Ron and Hermione followed. Harry walked a few meters out from the house, his feet crunching on the ground and the darkness of the night surrounding him and the others, and turned back. Ron and Hermione stood next to him, and he thought hard of various Order members. He raised his wand, so it pointed just above The Burrow.
Just as he was about to say his spell, numerous cracks resounded around them in the darkness. They looked around quickly, and ran as fast as they could to some nearby trees. Green, purple, and red spells rained down on them as they moved, and when Harry turned around after he reached the cover of a tree, he could see at six or more black cloaked Death Eaters standing in the garden. At least three were moving towards them, while the others started towards the house.
'Stupify!' Hermione yelled, hitting one of the approaching Death Eaters. The cloaked figure fell over, and the other two intensified their assault. Harry needed to call more Order members here before they entered the house.
'Cover me!' Harry ordered to his friends. Ron, and Hermione moved around, and continued to shoot Disarming and Stunning Spells, while Harry moved closer to the house. He once again thought of Order members, and raised his wand quickly.
`Phoenicreo!' he bellowed. A massive fireball erupted from his wand, and exploded above the house, to show a huge and fire-made phoenix. It spread its wide wings, and inclined its head upwards, making a shiver run up Harry's spine, while he continued to think of various Order members. Death Eaters stopped their approach to the doorway, and turned around.
A few apprehensive seconds later, numerous pops occurred around them. Tonks, Moody, Shacklebolt were present, along with Charlie, Topher, Professor Flitwick, and a few others. Wasting no time, they began dueling fiercy with the Death Eaters.
Harry moved back to the others, and luckily found them alright--though some of the branches around them were badly singed. Tonks and Charlie were battling with the nearby Death Eaters, and the three Hogwarts students came slowly out of the trees, and tried to help.
'Stupify!' Harry yelled at one of the black cloaked figures. The person fell over, and Tonks, who was dueling with the man, ran over.
'Are you alright? What's happened?' she asked hurriedly.
'The twins were attacked. We don't know if they're alive, but their attackers took Polyjuice Potion, and came here. We stopped them early enough, but Hermione said one of them mentioned more Death Eaters coming soon.' Harry looked around, and saw Kingsley get hit in the leg with a spell. Mad-Eye Moody was nearby, and cast a Disarming Spell on the Death Eater. The cloaked figure was blown back and hit the ground unconscious.
Another pop came in the midst of the cracks and whips of spells, and Mr. Weasley appeared. He glanced at the scene for a moment startled, then started helping Topher, who was bleeding badly from one of his arms.
It must have been obvious to the Death Eaters, as it was to Harry, that they were loosing. Death Eaters that were not unconscious took one glance around, and Apparated away, while two or three were left lying on the ground. Some of the Order members made their way to the Hogwarts students, while others secured the area and went into the house to check inside.
'Are you three alright?' Mr. Weasley asked, his voice sounding winded. Harry and the rest nodded.
`The twins were brought to St. Mungo's. Fred didn't look too good, but they're safe now. I need you three and Ginny to go back to Hogwarts, now' he dictated. Harry could see Ron about to protest, but Hermione cut in first.
`Please Mr. Weasley, can we go to St. Mungo's instead?' Hermione proposed, receiving a grin from Ron. Mr. Weasley sighed, and nodded.
`Can you go with them Filius?' Arthur asked the short man. He nodded, and walked over to Harry and Hermione. Ron went and returned with Ginny, telling her where they were going.
They all Apparated to St. Mungo's, and went up to the forth floor where the twins were being treated. All five of them had to painfully wait in a small waiting room at the end of the hallway. Ginny was sobbing into Ron's shoulder, and Harry was rubbing Hermione's hand, as she looked blankly at the floor. All they were told when they came in was that George looked like he would be alright, but Fred was not doing as well.
`Are you alright?' Harry asked Hermione. She snapped out of her trance, and nodded lightly.
`I was worried, I'll admit it, but I knew you would catch on.'
`Sorry . . . about using Legilimency' Harry said quietly, looking down at his feet.
`It's fine Harry. Really, it didn't hurt, and I like that memory anyways' she answered, lifting his head. He smiled, and they gave each other a short kiss. The four of them, along with Professor Flitwick waited for a while before hearing any news from either The Burrow, or the room down the hall.
Finally, around one hour later, Tonks, Charlie, and Mr. Weasley came onto the floor. Ginny jumped out of her chair, and hugged her father like a little girl would hug her daddy. He smiled, and returned it, and they came to the others.
`Is everyone alright?' Hermione asked. Arthur shook his head.
`Kingsley took a bad jinx to one of his legs, but he's getting checked out. That other fellow, what's his name, Toper?'
`Topher' Harry offered.
`Yes, he was clipped by an odd curse right after he Apparated. Ripped up his arm pretty bad. He's downstairs getting checked. Any news on Fred and George?'
`Nothing. They said George was sleeping, and should be fine, but no word on Fred' Ron relayed. Arthur lowered his head, and placed it in his hands, giving a sigh.
`I told them to close the store, I told them!' he muttered to himself. Ginny came over, and looked at her father, placing a hand on his back.
`It's not your fault dad.' He nodded, but kept his head on his lap. Just then, Mrs. Weasley, along with Bill and Fleur came onto the floor, and Arthur gave his wife a hug. She was still crying, and muttering into her husband's ear.
`Mr. and Mrs. Weasley?' a Healer asked behind them, holding a small white clipboard. They broke their embrace, and looked at the short man who spoke. Everyone got up, and gathered around to hear any news.
`George will be alright. He was under a few odd curses, but we managed to clear them up' the Healer stated. Everyone still stood on their tip-toes to hear the rest.
`And Fred?' Mrs. Weasley asked shakily, tears again brimming on her eyes. The Healer looked down at his clipboard silently, and Mrs. Weasley began to sob more. Harry's mind was already formulating what the Healer was going to say.
`I'm sorry, but we couldn't save him' the short man spoke.
Everyone stood motionless for a moment, then Mrs. Weasley howled in pain, and collapsed into her husband's chest, crying like Harry never saw before. Mr. Weasley's eyes began to brim, and he started to cry as well.
The entire group slowly looked at each other in shock, and enveloped Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in a sorrowful hug. Harry--who was at first too stunned to cry--began realizing he would never again see or talk to Fred ever again.
The group stood there for what felt like an eternity, drowning in their grief for the loss of such a wonderful person. The twins were no more; it would only be George. Harry felt like the natural order of the world was broken, and tears formed in his eyes, and he hugged harder, Hermione on his right, Ron on his left. They both looked at him with tears flowing down their cheeks, and squeezed his shoulders in support.
It was the first loss for the Weasley family in the Second War, and deep down, below the tears and sorrow, Harry prayed it would be the only one.
Spell / Name Meanings:
Leanna Lisenox - Lee (Old Eng. "leah" = meadow) + Anna (Latinate form of Hannah), Lisen (L.
"licens" = free) + ox (L. "ferox" = spirit) (Lisenox = free spirit)
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