/N: Thanks for being patient you guys! I had projects due and then the tragedy at VT (my sis is a freshman and I went there as well) got to me and I haven't had a chance to update. I uploaded two chapters last night, hope you are still reading and reviewing!
Chapter 13
Hermione sat with her arms folded, her temper rising, and brow furrowed. She knew Harry could see she had a bad attitude, but he wasn't acknowledging it. After coming down this morning to pieces of broken furniture and vases in the lounge, she eyed her husband suspiciously. He had bruises on his face, and he was sporting a fresh-busted lip. Draco had a bruise on his jaw, and scratches on his face as well, but neither man said anything as they ate their morning porridge. They didn't even try to cast healing charms, each wearing their licks like badges or some sort of "symbols of manhood" rubbish. She had assessed they had probably fought in some sort of male ritual, and had gotten over whatever they needed to.
Her eyes watched Neville look up to say something, his mouth opened and closed again quickly, with no sound as if he thought better of himself, and he continued eating his porridge. Ginny was trying hard not to stare at Draco's bruised face, trying to act as if she didn't care, but her attempts failed. He was smirking with every spoonful he ate, at the attention he was receiving from her and the fight she was trying to put up.
Ron groggily came down and plopped at the table next to Luna, and had tucked in his bowl after a tossing a knowing glance at Harry. They were planning something. She knew it. She knew them. And as the click of spoons hit the bowls, Hermione couldn't take the silence anymore.
"What are you planning?" she abruptly asked Harry. He had just put the spoon in his mouth, and his eyes grew wide and then back to normal in a second, as he slowly pulled the spoon from his lips. She narrowed her eyes. "You're keeping something from me. I know you Harry Potter."
In a hard gulp, he swallowed his porridge and looked lovingly at his wife. He knew she was smart; he just wanted to avoid this conversation right now. "I have no idea what you mean."
Hermione's jaw dropped and she quickly snapped it back to grit her teeth at her husband's plot to leave her out of the action. "Where ever you're going, whatever you're doing… I'm coming too."
Harry dropped his spoon into his bowl, frustration growing on his face. He knew she would hex his bullocks off but he had to stand firm. "No, you will not. You need to stay here. It's safe here."
"You honestly expect me to just sit here? And do what, exactly? Incubate your baby whilst you try to solve a puzzle you know you will need me to help you with?"
"No Hermione, it's just that-"
"I'm going too." Luna replied, staring defiantly at Ron. "I think we all need to go, we're all in it together."
"No!" Ron sputtered. "Absolutely bloody not! Too dangerous. Hermione's in a fragile state, and you just recovered from being hexed, and I will feel much better knowing you are here out of harms way."
"Are you 'telling' me where and when I can do something?" Luna asked, her voice dangerously too low for Ron. Quirky she might be, but her temper was hell to deal with.
"It's not that Luna, it's just- it's- Harry, tell them!" Ron got flustered and waved a hand at Harry, who was trying his best not to look at Hermione. She kept her glare, and he was sure she contemplating on stabbing him with a spoon.
"You're not going." Harry said simply, staring back at his wife. Hermione looked like she was going to blow a fuse. But he had to hold his ground to keep her safe.
"Yes we are going." Ginny spoke up. She stared at Harry and then at Ron, before finally resting her eyes on Draco. Draco didn't say anything. He ate his porridge nonchalantly and didn't meet Ginny's eyes.
"Bloody Birds." He finally muttered before eating another spoonful.
Neville wiped his mouth with his napkin and cleared his throat. He didn't want to get in the situation, but Ron and Harry were drowning and Draco wasn't even attempting to help. "I don't think it's a good idea. We don't know what we're up against. Death Eaters or no, Ginny, the Ministry is looking for you and if there's a mistake, they will get you."
"They are looking for you too Neville, yet you're going. My, when did you lads get sexist? We're just as good as any of you. We've faced Death Eaters before." Ginny flashed her glance back over to Malfoy.
Harry pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "This isn't a battle of the sexes. Hermione, you know you can't be out there, you have someone else to think of now…"
She couldn't believe Harry was doing this. He needed her, and he knew it. "I am thinking of our baby. I'm thinking that if you get stuck somewhere and you need me, I won't be there. And something might happen to you. I can't let it."
"Harry, don't let her go." Ron replied, looking at Harry from across the table. Harry would most likely bend if Hermione kept on him, and by the way he sat across the table his eyes closed, Ron knew he was thinking.
She snapped her head to him. "Belt up, Ronald!"
Draco set down his spoon and cleared his throat. "So…you're willing to dodge spells, deflect hexes, and endanger your baby because you want equal rights? Look, if we run into anything 'intellectual', I'm no fool Hermione. I can figure things out. But this whole thing is for nothing if you are going to place yourself in danger."
"You need me Harry." Hermione pleaded to her husband, ignoring Draco's comments. Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. Harry wasn't looking at her now, he was concentrating on his bowl, and obviously feeling conflicted. She wanted to be with him, to help.
"Where are you going?" Ginny asked.
"Knockturn Alley, a candy store for Death Eaters there. Two old death eater camps…and…" Draco replied, pausing as he looked over at Harry, "Hogwarts."
Hermione almost jumped. "I can do my research there! I told you, there's probably books there-"
"There is nothing there! It's a ruin. Probably a perfect place for Death Eaters to hide!" Harry shouted and quickly cursed himself for yelling her. "I will NOT let this go. You are not coming!"
She winced and looked taken aback and he felt more horrible than he ever felt at that moment, as if he broke her in some small way. The build of tears threatened her eyes, but she fought hard to push them back, he could see it and he wanted desperately to say "Sod it all" and just hold her and go no where. But he had to be strong, and she had to understand his position on this.
"We can't shield you Hermione. What ever magic we use will only be defensive because they are tracking our signatures." Ron replied.
Neville piped up again. The intensity in the room was uncomfortable for him. "Hermione, please. Luna and Ginny can go. I'll stay here with you. We have to do more research on the ashes anyway. Please. He doesn't need to be worried about you if there's danger. He can't think clearly if anything happens to you."
"Ginny stays here too," Ron stated, causing Ginny to frown at him.
"What? I'm no child." The feisty red head shouted defiantly at her brother. "You are no super sleuth you know Ronald. It's not like you have some special ability to offer that I don't."
"He's right. That way you and Neville won't be caught." Draco replied simply. She pierced him with an intense stare and he knew she was angry but he wanted to protect her. "You two were dragged into this by me. They are looking for you. You need to stay out of sight."
Ginny couldn't believe what she was hearing. She glowered at Draco for a few minutes before tossing down her napkin and leaving the room. He knew she probably thought he had no faith in her, which was not true. He did. He just wanted her safe. And she could hate him for however long she wanted to as long as she wasn't at risk. And that is exactly what Potter was doing for Hermione.
Hermione hadn't taken her eyes off Harry. She had to see if he was going to leave her here, useless, unable to protect him. Slowly he lifted his head and turned towards her.
"Please understand."
Defeated, Hermione lifted herself from the table and Harry swore he never felt worse. "Come on Neville. There's work to be done in the library."
"Check his glamour charm again." Harry said over his shoulder to Ron. Draco was fidgeting and he swatted Ron's wand away from his face.
"I've been undercover before, you know. This is like…my job." He snarled at them both. He pulled at his jumper's collar and stomped behind Harry. His eyes were now dark brown, his hair brown, chin slightly squared instead of long and his skin tanned slightly. No time for polyjuice to brew, so a glamour was their only option. He couldn't be seen on the streets, his face was everywhere.
"Well, if you feel any changes…" Ron began but Draco threw up a hand.
"If I feel myself changing back, then you don't cast very good glamours, do you?"
Ron rolled his eyes and looked at his dark haired friend in front of him. Harry walked cautiously through the riff raff that littered the streets of Knockturn Alley. A filthy witch stood by clutching a broken broom and leered at Luna as they passed. Ron pulled her close to him to make her feel safer.
"Oy. Are you sure this bloke you're seeing knows about the ashes?" He asked Harry in a high whisper.
Draco wretched his mouth at Ron. "Very tactful. Careful now, wouldn't want all the dark wizards to hear of our secret plans."
"He's right. We have to be discreet," Harry replied. "And your information better be right Draco."
"I told you everything I know." Draco replied indignantly.
"I just want to get in and get out of this awful place." Luna voiced as she spied a street vendor holding a headless chicken in the air for his customers to peruse.
Harry stopped in front of a black canopy, and the group saw him flex his arm as if to make sure his wand was in easy reach.
"Draco," he said before they entered. "Remember what I said."
"Yea, yea. Speak as little as possible."
"Ron, Luna?"
"We'll be over there." Ron pointed towards a store of antiques. "Hopefully we'll be alive to give you back up."
"Just watch our backs."
"Yes. And Harry, do be careful," Luna replied.
Harry nodded as the two crossed the street and Draco followed Harry inside the dark store. A bell attached to the door signaled their entrance. The two men look horrified at the scene around them. They were surrounded by jars of potent mixes, potions, and remedies. Shrunken heads were hanging from the ceiling. The smell was sickening and smelled like mold and death, and Draco hacked as it hit the back of his throat. Harry breathed through his mouth slowly as not to get sick and the two men approached the counter of the store.
"Holy mother of-" Draco grabbed his nose assaulted with the foul smell.
"I thought you said you've been here before." Harry shot at him.
"I have," Draco coughed out. "The smell wasn't this bad last time. He specializes in amulets and dark arts. He was my contact to get the ashes. But look…he's keen Potter. Don't let him fool you. He wants your soul."
"My soul? Like a Dementor?"
"That's child's play to him. He's a dark warlock. Just…just keep it simple." Draco muttered.
The sound of the curtains behind the counter got their attention and they turned to see him step out. Harry swallowed the lump lodged in his throat as he caught sight of this wizard.
It was a tall dark man, with eyes red as rubies. His hair was ash white and his skin was dark like midnight. He smiled a rotten smile at them as he walked into the room.
"May I 'elp you?"
Harry cleared his throat and felt Malfoy shove him forward towards the man. His aura seemed to pulse with dark magic and it was drawing Harry to him, despite his intense want to run out of the building. The man stared at him, his eyes burning holes into Harry.
"Er…well...yes…I-"
"You are 'Arry Potter."
His head snapped up at the man's declaration. "Yes, I am. How did you-?"
"Your scah." He shrugged and seemed to float past Harry and Draco. "Most famous scah in de land. Ya come down he' for what, Mr. Potter? Ya come down he' for black magjick. Ya come down he' for him ashes."
"How did you know?"
"I saw you in a dream once. Mr. Potter. I won't eva a Death Eater, but my magjick called me to it. As your darkness be calling ya now, ain't it?" The man closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. "I can feel it, waitin' inside you. It is strong."
Draco shot Harry an odd look. "What is he talking about?" He whispered but Harry ignored him. He concentrated on the man in front of him.
"No, I am no longer connected to Voldemort, all his power is gone from me."
The dark man shook his head. His red eyes flashed colors and Harry jumped back into Draco. He watched the dark skin twist and the man was lifted into thin air and spun. The man shifted uncomfortably and then screeched out as he changed into a short stubby pale man before their eyes.
Draco grabbed Harry's arm. "Let's get out of here!"
Harry shook his head, his vision still on the man. This wasn't polyjuice; the change was too clean, too perfect. "He's shape shifting."
"Are you sure? How do you know he isn't poly juiced?"
"NO! He's a shape shifter." Harry said with certainty.
The man floated back down in front of Harry and gave a new grin in his new form. "Dark arts…" he started his voice now very English and squeaky. "Dark arts are cultured not given."
"Great, care to tell us why you changed shape?" Draco hissed and received a punishing elbow to the gut by Harry.
"I told you not to speak." Harry hissed out.
He held his stomach and glared menacingly at Harry, causing the shape shifter to smile.
The shape shifter continued. "Why not? People expect you to be a certain way when dealing with dark arts. Short stubby men like myself aren't intimidating like most dark wizards. I have an image to uphold."
"So you served with Voldemort?" Harry said his voice low. He felt his wand slip into his hand as the chubby man stepped behind the counter and started pulling books.
"Voldemort? So you were friends, I gather." The man smiled up at a less than amused Harry. His smile faded as Harry flexed his fist. "Sorry, I just rarely hear anyone speak his name so fluidly. No, I did not serve him.Though for the right price… I was…useful is the word. I'm more interested in serving myself not others. Not that he didn't try, mind you." He held up a stub where his left hand used to be. "He had persuasive tactics."
"So why did you know about the ashes?" Draco spoke again, getting another glare from Harry.
"I'm sorry; do I know you from somewhere?"
Draco shook his head and ran a nervous hand through his new brunette locks. "N-no."
"I sense something familiar about you. Like I've seen you before." The man quirked an eyebrow at Draco.
The man glanced at Draco oddly before returning to Harry. "That's because I told Voldemort the spell. His very essence was magical. And while you destroyed his soul and therefore vanquished his power, you didn't understand his body was a magical commodity in his self. The dark art consumes you, it eats away at you, and he would have been nothing if he didn't protect his physical self. You should know…you dealt with horcruxes."
Harry grimaced. "Yeah…so what does that mean?"
"His ashes aren't as powerful as his mental self. But his ashes have its own…benefits. Now it must be channeled. It's not direct."
"By an amulet, or mixed with a potion…" Draco said to himself mostly.
"Correct!" His squeaky voice went higher.
"What could these ashes do?"
"The potential is uncertain. But to a degree…depending on the potion or amulet…anything. The person in possession of them is a very lucky fellow."
"So who did you give them to? And why would you give them up so easily?" Harry asked as he pondered what this all meant.
The shape shifter examined the surprise on the men's faces. Harry's looked more as if he was trying to figure out a puzzle in his head. The stubby man frowned. "Mr. Potter, surely you know what you killed that day. You killed his spirit but he was more than a mere being. Like I said, very rarely do you come across a man who can divide his soul like a piece of pie. And as for me giving them away easily…I had no choice in the matter. It was seized. By your friend Mr. Malfoy over there."
Their mouths dropped and the shape shifter laughed. "I am a dark wizard after all, Mr. Malfoy. I can not be fooled that easily. As for you Mr. Potter, you do realize you have a potential greater than your enemy. I can sense something in you not yet exposed. The same kind of brewing Voldemort had before he let it consume him. I don't know what Coogle's plans are for the ashes, but if he has that amulet, he is a very powerful man right now."
"If Coogle has it, and he's harnesting Voldemorts power, the possibilities are endless on what he can do. How can I stop that again?"
"You're more powerful than Voldemort estimated. Surely you can pull it off again." The shape shifter replied.
"Are you saying I'm like Voldemort?"
"No. You have a power in you that's unlike most I have seen. But it's been dormant and once it's- I fear that you underestimate your own power. Or you are just wholly self controlled. Voldemort was powerful. His power ate away at him and in the end, it sealed his fate. But he was able to abuse it for so long because he didn't suffer grief or loss. The worst thing a man can suffer is grief or loss. That is what separates you from him."
Harry look incredulously at the man in front of him. Loss? Suffering, Harry had suffered enough. Way too much in his young lifetime. "What does that-?!"
The shape shifter smiled mischievously and transformed before Harry. Long brown hair cascaded down his back and his face was feminine. As he began to take shape, he looked just like…Hermione.
"What are you saying?! What's going to happen to my wife?!" Harry yelled at the shape shifter.
"There are is so much at stake, Mr. Potter. So much." The shape shifter of Hermione touched by her belly. "I sense your powers are even unmatched for what is in here."
"What?" Harry replied confused as he watched the shape shifter pat its belly.
Draco grabbed Harry's arm, as he was about to inquire more from the wizard. He felt it; a burn on his forearm. The mark was calling to the others. They were close by, he could feel it. He tightened his grip on Potter's arm. "We have to go. Now."
"So soon?" The shape shifter cooed while looking at Harry. Harry's green eyes darkened. He wanted answers, he couldn't leave they were so close.
A loud boom caught his attention and Draco stumbled back. Harry caught himself and looked up to see the shape shifter shift back to the stubby man.
"Harry!" Ron yelled as he bolted into the store with Luna in tow. She had her wand gripped tightly. "Death Eaters! Attacking Diagon Alley! They are coming this way! We have to go!"
Harry went to look back at the man but he shook his head. "Go! Before they catch you!"
Harry nodded and he pulled Draco with him to the door. Draco glanced behind him and the stubby man waved and smiled gingerly at him.
"You too, Malfoy. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me!"
"It's happening!" Dweedle yelped as he ran into Coogle's office.
"What?!" Coogle looked up from the parchment he was looking at.
"Look outside, sir! They are attacking Knockturn Alley!" Dweedle pointed out the windows, his face red. "We have got to bring in Malfoy!"
"Dear god! Go! Go!" Coogle shouted and turned to his window where he saw flames and smoke rising from the
building.
Dweedle nodded and tapped his badge with his wand.
"CALLING ALL SPECIAL FORCES AURORS! WE NEED YOU IMMEDIATELY IN KNOCKTURN ALLEY AND SURROUNDING VICINITIES. STAND BY AURORS ARE REQUESTED IN DIAGON ALLEY TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF CIVILIANS! CASUALTIES EXPECTED!!"
Coogle nodded as Dweedle began to leave to go to the scene. "Sir? Should I kill Malfoy on sight?"
"No…bring him to me."
"But sir, he's clearly dangerous."
Coogle shook his head and stared down at the parchment in his hand. "No. I need him. And I need you to bring me Shacklebolt and Remus Lupin."
"Sir?" Dweedle looked confused. Both men were retired and half way across the world. They were disavowed, why bring them back into the Ministry?
But Coogle had no time for questions."Just… Bring them here. They are critical to this. I need access to their Order of the Phoenix meeting location."
"But sir-"
"Just…do it." He looked back out the window towards the flames. "And Merlin, help their souls."
Neville had gone downstairs to get Dobby to make sandwiches, leaving Hermione and Ginny in the library mulling over books. They had been snarling at each other all afternoon, each angry with their significant other and harboring dislike for each other. Frankly, Hermione had reached her rope with Ginny's attitude, as if she had been married to Harry and Hermione seductively lured him to her. She saw the way Ginny looked at Harry, as if her big blue eyes would make him weak in the knees. Ginny was so transparent, it was almost insulting. If she really knew Harry she would have known Harry doesn't go for that kind of flattery. Does he? Stupid, stupid, he loves you. Hermione slammed down the book in anger of her thoughts, and glared over at Ginny.
She watched the way her auburn hair laid flat against her shoulders, bright and shiny, which offset her glowing skin. Compared to Hermione's brown curls that she had just finally tamed and pale skin, Ginny looked beautiful. She always had. Why wouldn't Harry want her?
She shook her head. Arrgghhh...stop it. She didn't understand why she felt so insecure; Harry hadn't even paid much attention to Ginny. Or maybe she just didn't notice.
A clearing of Ginny's throat brought her out of her thoughts. "This is fruitless. I'm not finding anything useful."
"Well," Hermione replied slowly, "we haven't even broken down that section yet, it might have something."
She pointed to the section she knew only had gardening tips and remedy potion making.
"Yeah we have, it's redundant…" Ginny grumbled, snatching a book off the bookcase. "You know very well there isn't anything in here that can help Harry."
"That's not true." Hermione pouted. She watched Ginny toss the book carelessly in a pile and walk over to a chair to sit. "What are you doing?"
"I'm not doing this anymore. This is boring."
Her eyes narrowed at the redhead. Somehow, she could see how she was related to Ron. It must be a Weasley trait to be lazy. "Look, it's not the same as chasing Death Eaters or fighting Dementors but its something. And you sitting on your bum isn't going to be productive either. You claim you want to help Harry, get up and really help."
Ginny's jaw dropped at Hermione's accusation. "Claim?! Claim to want to help? I'd do anything for Harry, and that's why right now I should be with them…helping. Not holed up in here with you, totally useless waste of energy."
Ginny knew she was crossing a line. She knew she was saying most of those things out of jealousy, anger, and frustration. She watched Hermione's brown eyes flicker with red and she thought for a second the room lost air pressure. But Ginny wouldn't back down. She didn't appreciate Hermione's accusation. She lifted her chin up and stared back at Hermione defiantly.
"Well, Ginny, I'm sorry you think it's so beneath you that you have to resort to childish tactics." Hermione replied dangerously low.
"No. You're not the boss of me, you over pretentious cow."
"You are over stepping your bounds." Hermione ground out.
"I don't think so. You don't scare me by bossing me. I'm not Ron or Harry. I'm not Luna either, so let's not sugar coat this. This has been a long time coming." Ginny relied, standing directly across from Hermione.
She watched Hermione nod once. "Yeah, it has. So what, Ginny? It all comes down to Harry. Isn't this what it's all about? Harry? It's no reason to hold your tongue now. I really want to hear your thoughts Ginny."
Her fake grin irritated Ginny and she saw her fists ball at her side. The redhead could be a spitfire when she wanted to and Hermione was pushing her buttons. Through gritted teeth, Ginny spoke slowly. "You don't want to know what I feel about you and Harry, Hermione. You really don't."
"I'm waiting Ginny." Hermione replied, feeling her wand drop into her palm.
Ginny noted it too, feeling her own wand drop gripped in her fingers. They were in duel stance. "I'm in love with Harry. There, happy?"
"That's fine. But he's not in love with you. So you are clearly wasting your time and talents."
"He once was. All he needs to do is realize you are an albatross around his neck. Always needing to be saved. Always needing him to be the hero."
Hermione smirked. "You mean like when Voldemort possessed you? And he saved you from the Basilisk?"
That statement made Ginny frown and she wanted to hex Hermione to oblivion. The door opened and neither released their eye contact to see Neville standing there with Dobby.
He felt the pressure in the room. "Uh…what's.going.on?"
It was Hermione who answered him, never wavering in her intense stare on Ginny. "Ginerva here was just informing me she is in love with Harry and that I'm bringing him down. Now I'm just contemplating which spell to use to pull out every red strand of her hair."
Neville gulped audibly and Dobby shook in fear holding the tray. He glanced at Ginny, who bit the inside of her jaw.
"Leave Neville out of this."
Hermione quirked a brow. "Why? He knows all about unrequited love, having been in love with you in Hogwarts."
"Er-" Neville's eyes widened. "Um, that was in the past, I must say. Come on ladies, let's settle down, and have lunch."
They ignored him. A wicked smile crept across Hermione's face. "Fine, let's discuss Draco then. The other man in this house who you don't seem to mind wrapped around your finger."
Ginny could feel her heart pounding in her ears. The pressure became unbearable and books fell of the bookcase around her. She would show Hermione she wasn't the only powerful witch. "You shut up! You want to duel Hermione? In your condition? No concern for the Harry's baby, I see."
"Don't ever mention my baby again."
"Why not? If I was pregnant with Harry-"
"Still living in the world of 'ifs' Ginny?" The books behind Hermione flew off the shelf and hot the wall and a vase exploded, causing Neville to jump back with a squeak. But Hermione stayed focused on Ginny. The death glare on her face was evident of how much rage she was holding back.
Honestly, it scared her; she was very capable of killing Ginny. "All fiction Ginny, made up in your head. Your love for Harry is fiction. Want facts? Fact, you aren't nor will you ever be pregnant by Harry. I'm not going to fight you because of my child and because I have better things to do, like save my husband. That's what's important to me. That's what matters to me."
Ginny's eyes darkened. She wanted to hex Hermione to oblivion but something was pulling at her. Perhaps Hermione was speaking the truth so clearly it hurt. Ginny was living off her memories, her ideas of Harry. No, no…you love him. Right? She dropped her glare from Hermione, seeing one of the fallen books beside her foot. She blinked and read the page again. Could it be? No…but it is!
She snapped her head up and put her wand away. "Look at this."
"What are you talking about?" Hermione spat, obviously still fuming from their confrontation. She walked towards Ginny, still holding her wand as Ginny lifted the book, careful not to turn the pages. She held the book out for Hermione to read.
"Is that-?" Hermione gasped, causing Neville to run over towards them.
Ginny looked over at Hermione. "The dungeons. We need to get to Hogwarts."
"Yes. I can't believe-"
Neville looked confused, and he dropped his head down to see what Ginny was referring to. The sketching of an amulet didn't seem that important to him. Until he also noted the place that contained this amulet, the dungeons of Hogwarts. Frantically, he shook his head, knowing this was a bad idea. "No! No! Bad idea! We wait for Harry."
"We have no time. We need to go now." Hermione replied and Ginny nodded. They began to walk out the library, shoving the book at a flustered Neville.
"No! Hermione, no!" He ran and stood in front of the door to block them. Why would he want to face the wrath of Ron, Harry or Draco if he allowed them to go? "I can't. You could get hurt and Harry…you just can't! Hogwarts is not safe!"
Ginny cut her eyes at Hermione and he swore he saw her eyes spark with something. With the slightest of nods from Hermione, Ginny's wand was pointed at Neville. "Move Neville."
"I said no." He shook his head again. Why was he always the one trying to stop this lot from killing themselves? And why was he always the bloke getting stunned because of it? He gulped audibly and shut his eyes, before he felt the surge of energy hit him and everything went black.