There is something memorable about the first time you meet someone.

( Memories )

The original plan had been to have an actual bachelor party for me last night. With the attacks on the full moon and the battle with Wormtail and Bellatrix over the weekend taking its toll I felt it was be best to cancel the event. If somehow word got out about the location… well I doubt Lucius would let an opportunity to attack me while I’d be so vulnerable pass by. So instead of a night of debauchery I’m doing what I probably would have preferred to begin with… going flying with Ron.


( Best Mates )

Life almost feels normal tonight. As part of Ginny’s moving past her trauma she insisted that we cuddle in our chair and read together as had been our custom. She had me sit in the chair and without any hesitation was actually able to climb into my lap. She then instructed me to hold her and proceeded to open the title she chose for the evening and began reading.

( Getting Back to Normal )

After the disaster at lunch yesterday while she was minding Ginny I wasn’t looking forward to my weekly luncheon with Hermione. After Ginny had her panic attack and I managed to finally calm her and get her to bed, Hermione never said anything to me, but I could tell from her mannerisms that she was trying to work out a puzzle.

( Hermione’s Conclusion )

After the events of two days ago I had really though Ginny and I made a breakthrough. Unfortunately yesterday I noticed something else that makes me wonder if I’m helping her at all.

( New Problem )

It turns out that getting the documents to make an International Floo Call requires several hours of paperwork and a fireplace that is connected specially for it. I can’t help but pace, frustrated, as I wait for the clearance to make the call to Ginny. Finally, near the end of my work day, I get the word that I can talk to Ginny.

( Impatient Waiting )

It was another boring day at the office reading through reports from the field and trying to piece together a pattern to Greyback’s movements. He’s actually been quiet since September when Tonks and I were assigned to the case, no attacks, or at least none that we know of.

( A Night Out )

There are flashes of light, the roar of spells in my ears. Sweat drips from the tip of my nose. My glasses are sliding with the perspiration. My arms are heavy and my entire body aches, yet I continue with wild abandon, my wand arm a forceful blur.

Protego! Diffindo! Stupefy! Protego! Extundo! Contundo! Reducto! Protego!

On and on I cast. My Occlumency shield’s holding despite the searing pain in my scar. A moment of elation as one of my bludgeoning curses lands a minor hit. A gasp burst from me as a return spell smashes into my ribs.

I’m tiring. If I can’t destroy him soon, it will be too late. I’ll have used up all my strength. I’m becoming desperate.

Sectumsempria! Reducto! Extundo! Relasho! Prote- "Acck!!!"

The last shield is a split second too late and I’m smashed full in the chest with a bludgeoning spell. I sail through the air and crash to the ground. My left arm makes a sickening crack as I land and fiery pain shoots up to my shoulder. I feel nauseated and nearly begin heaving.

It is painful to breathe. I’m coughing blood. I’m sure my ribs are broken and my lung is pierced. I stagger to a crouching position, trying to regain my senses.

What I see when I turn to my opponent horrifies me. Standing between us is my source of life, my joy, my Ginny. She is staring down the Dark Lord, wand at the ready, daring him to take step closer to me.

Panic sets in, I try desperately to regain my footing, but I’m still woozy. I’m wobbling, unable to balance.

A chilling hiss causes my blood to run cold. "Ahhh…Miss Weasley…my old playmate. It is so nice to see you again." He chuckles wickedly. "I had hoped to renew our acquaintance once Potter was disposed off, finish what we started. But now I see an even better use for you."

In a flash his wand strikes out, "Avada Kedavra!"

"No!!!!!" I’m racing forward trying to get between them. A flash of green light, a startled gasp, the clatter of a wand falling to the ground, then she begins to tumble.

I break her fall. Her lifeless body limp in my lap. Her eyes forever locked in an expression of fear and shock.

My heart is pounding. My skin feels tight. My eyes burn and itch. My nose feels stuffy. Tears are leaking from my eyes and falling to her face. I look up to the heavens and scream, "Ginny!!!!!!!!!!"

( Ginny!!!!!!!!! )