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Author: neetha Story: A Different Sort of Ever After Rating: Teens Setting: Pre-HBP Status: WIP Reviews: 12 Words: 8,098 [Disclaimer: "It's mine! All mine!" And then I wake up… and acknowledge that it's J. K. Rowling's; love her mind!] Ginny could feel in her bones that she was late for something. She rolled out of bed and glanced out the window. A distinct lack of Ron's snoring reminded her that she was missing something. Then it hit her: it was September first. The smell of sausages was squeezing its way into her room, letting her know that at least Mum was up as well. The sun was climbing high, and she just knew she would miss the train. Sighing angrily, she opened and slammed drawers and doors in hopes that somebody would realize their mistake in not waking her up in time. Just as she jerked her arms through some robes, she remembered: Hogwarts was still closed, and she wasn't going back anytime soon. Memories of the recent Leaving Feast came flooding back. She pushed the thoughts out of her head, afraid of what she might end up remembering. Ginny finished dressing more sedately and started toward the kitchen where she knew her mum would be waiting. She hadn't even reached the steps when she heard heavy footfalls behind her. "Morning Gin," a male voice called gently. "Alright?" "Not really, Ron. I'm not having a very good morning." He was right behind her now, trying to get beside her on the stairs. Out of the corner of her eye, Ginny saw him nod shortly, and begin to reach for her shoulder. She stopped and turned around. "What's wrong?" he questioned. "Look at what I'm wearing." "Yes, I see. I'm glad you're wearing clothing," he said with a playful smirk. "Well noticed," she retorted as she rolled her eyes. "It's because I thought I was off to Hogwarts, but there's no Hogwarts to go to right now." Ron's mouth formed an 'O' and he gently moved her out of his way. "It'll be alright, Ginny. Let's go get something to eat." 'He just doesn't understand,' she thought. She traipsed down the stairs, hoping to alert the family members downstairs that she wasn't in a nice mood. The whole family, except for Ron, who was behind her, was probably seated in the kitchen. Hermione was staying at the Burrow for a while (Ginny suspected it was a furtive attempt to be with Ron, and not just to spend time with the whole family, as she had insisted). Bill was on holiday from Egypt for a week now that the war was over, and Charlie had taken two days away from the Dragon Reinforcement Corps. Even Percy had promised to be at the Burrow for breakfast with his wife, Penelope. Everything would have been great apart from everyone falling silent as soon as Ginny appeared on the landing. It seemed very suspicious; they may have been talking about her. Ignoring her misgivings, she helped herself to some of those lovely-smelling sausages. She had been present for several minutes before she noticed everyone, staring cautiously at her. "Is there something on my face? Have I sprouted wings or something?" Everyone quickly occupied themselves with other things. Only Molly continued to gaze at her. She opened and shut her mouth a few times—as if she were going to say something—then she looked away too. Ginny let out a frustrated noise and shoved back her chair. "I'm going for a walk," she announced, donning a slight frown. Charlie and Bill leapt from their chairs and Arthur opened his mouth to protest. Ron couldn't do much but try to swallow an enormous bite he had just taken. "Just in the garden," she amended, throwing out her hands. As everyone slowly returned to normal, she fled out the door. The breeze was light and the trees were throwing off early morning shade. Ginny picked absent-mindedly at her old black work robes. They were worn-in and frayed just the way she liked them. 'These are probably some of the very few that don't have potion stains on them,' she thought, as she traced the faded little lion and the crimson insignia. She was a Gryffindor; supposedly trustworthy, loyal, and brave. How come no one trusted her anymore? Or let her come and go as she pleased? It was as though they had come to the conclusion that if she could be possessed once and later be nearly killed by Death Eaters, she couldn't be left alone. Why, just two days ago she had attempted to go into the village to get some things from the market and Charlie had insisted he accompany her. It just didn't make sense. That spell during the battle hadn't hurt her too much, just knocked her unconscious for a little over two weeks, so she didn't see the need for such protection. St. Mungo's had released her in late July, deeming her health "satisfactory". While she was unconscious, the world had changed. Many supporters of the Dark Lord had left Hogwarts to be with their parents, while others stayed and insisted they had been under Imperious the whole time. The Ministry of Magic had lost some officials, and for a few days everyone was afraid the wizarding world might fall into chaos or expose itself to the Muggle world. A lot of officials, who had openly denied Voldemort being alive many times, had been completely out of their wits. With the Ministry in shambles, Arthur had been asked to help in the reconstruction of departments. A sudden rustle of grass brought Ginny out of her reverie. Hermione was stepping across the garden cautiously, as if hoping not to disturb her. Ginny gave her a small smile and patted the ground next to her in invitation. "You aren't bothering me, Hermione, so stop creeping about." Hermione returned the smile as she settled down. "Ginny, you're going to hate me for asking but…" she trailed off, not wanting to stir up any more trouble. "Oh Hermione… I'm fine. I just want everything to be normal again… at least as normal as possible. It's not like I'm fragile china. I didn't die or disappear. I'm of age, and I'm seriously considering moving out." The words just tumbled out and she was a bit startled. She had toyed the notion for some time, but had never told anybody. She hid her head in her arms while she listened to Hermione speak quietly and rationally. "I can see why you'd want to leave, Ginny. You're not a child, but you're still in school. Won't you miss your family?" "No. I mean, I'll be able to Apparate soon. The test will be easy-I've studied every day. It's not like I'll have to Floo about like before, and I can visit anytime I feel like it I love them, Hermione, I really do, but I need to just be out on my own for a while. I have to sort out everything. All these bloody emotions and memories are driving me crazy. I would most likely move back in when Hogwarts opens up and I have to return to school. Does that make sense?" Ginny looked warily at Hermione, knowing very well she didn't take kindly to cursing. She waited for an answer, but Hermione was quiet. After a thoughtful pause, she spoke. "In my experience, life in general does not make sense. I have been devoted to books for as long as I can remember, and looked to them for the answer to everything. I never go by my gut feeling unless it deals with something the boys have schemed up, and my gut usually tells me not to let them do anything without me going along to help and I would… anyway, Ginny, you are the type of person who goes by their heart, their gut feelings. Your feelings are usually right. Trust yourself; if you truly think you need to be out on your own, then by all means do it. I have always admired you, Ginny. You're brave, strong, and a fantastic Quidditch player, but you have never cared what people thought about you. That's what I wanted to have—belief in myself. When I would get depressed or lose faith, you would always tell me you believed in me. Well, I have that confidence now, and I believe in you." Ginny lifted her head to meet Hermione's eyes. They were warm, brown, and strong. It had been a few months since Ginny had seen her friend's eyes contain strength. Ginny threw her arms around Hermione and mumbled incoherent thanks into her shoulder. Hermione, at first, patted her awkwardly but was soon clutching Ginny to her. Ginny could feel her shoulder become moist with Hermione's tears, and it wasn't long before her own tears welled up. They had all lost things that could never be replaced, and it was good to know that some things were just waiting to be found again. After many minutes of hugging and drying of tears, both girls laughed weakly and brushed themselves off. Ginny hadn't realized that she wasn't the only one worried and stressed beyond normal limits. It lifted a weight off her shoulders to know that she wasn't alone, and Hermione understood all she was feeling. Then a wave of guilt washed over her. She had been so selfish, snappy, and narrow-minded since she had awakened and realized what her world had become. Yes, Voldemort was gone and everyone was rejoicing, but the Death Eaters were corrupting the celebration of newfound life. They had been dropping into Muggle towns and destroying barns or cars or those lighted poles, then disappearing before the Aurors could get there. Despite their actions and the confusion curling inside of her, it was time that the attitude she was displaying disappeared. Right there, in a patch of Pilaflee flowers, she vowed that she would never again be so selfish, and she was going to make it a point to help others heal before she helped herself. She couldn't change the past, but she could do something about the future. She flashed a smile at Hermione. "Do you want to go back in? I think I owe everyone an apology." "Well, you did take me away from my breakfast, Ginny," Hermione replied with a smirk. "Being around you Weasleys has made my appetite enormous!" Both girls laughed, and it was as if they had both decided to not bring up the fact that they had just been on the ground in tears. Tough times were past, and it was time to be happy again. ~*~ Ron was silently shoving his breakfast into his mouth, contemplating a lot of things. The first thing on his mind was Ginny. He could remember the first time she said his name, the first time she wanted to seriously play chess with him. Her bright little smile and talkative, happy nature was what stood out in his mind. What had happened in all those years? Now she was tough, strong-willed, and she liked Quidditch and boys, and she was smart. She was also cranky. He just guessed that she had had a hard time and needed to work out all her problems. His thoughts then trailed, as always, to Hermione. She just had to sit beside him to make him feel content and warm inside. In fact, his entire right side where she had been pressed against was tingling. His mind got a little blurry just thinking about her. Had it really been two years since they found each other out? Their blunt conversation so long ago had been awkward yet wonderful; and quite frankly the most liberating occurrence Ron had ever experienced. Why did such a perfectly brilliant and fit person love him? It never ceased to bewilder him. 'On the subject of bewilderment,' he thought, 'where on earth did those two go?' Ginny had been up and gone in a flash and Hermione, who had given him an apologetic look, had followed her. The heaviest thing on his mind, however, was something darker than his girlfriend or sister. He hadn't seen his best friend in twenty-three days; twenty-three long, frustrating, silent days. This separation frustrated him more than Hermione ever had. He just didn't understand why Harry had gone and left so quickly, literally overnight, with no explanation. As Harry's best friend, he felt he deserved to know certain things. Ron was about to put a forkful of sausage into his mouth when he felt an elbow in his ribs. He was suddenly aware the whole kitchen was snickering at him. "Erm, Ron? I wouldn't eat that if I were you," Bill said with a grin. Ron glanced down at his fork and saw not sausage, but a rather large purple slug that was trying its best to get down. "Eurgh!" Ron jumped out of his chair as he flung the slug onto the table, where it slowly tried to flee the scene. Everyone in the kitchen erupted into full-blown guffaws. That slug reminded him of a certain curse he had accidentally turned on himself in second year. He looked around the table, hoping to catch the culprits; Fred and George were suspiciously quiet, eating contentedly. "Ron, don't even start. Mum will have your head if you even flick your wand in their direction," Charlie warned. Molly had just left the kitchen to see what else needed to be bought from Diagon Alley later. Ron glared around the kitchen once more. "You just wait, you gits. You just wait." Fred and George merely snorted and continued eating. Arthur coughed tensely. The backdoor swung open and Hermione and Ginny crept in, looking a bit worse-for-wear. Hermione's head immediately cocked to the side, questioning Ron's nauseated expression. Ginny, on the other hand, was giving all her attention to the slug that was inching its way across the table. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Molly appeared around the corner. Words came out of both at the same time. "What is that on my table?" "Blimey, that's a big slug!" "Molly, dear," Arthur started in to distract her. "Do we need more Floo Powder?" "Yes, Arthur, but what have my children been doing? Ron, sit down and stop waving that fork about. Fred, George, why is there a purple slug on my table?" The boys protested loudly. "Mum, why do you always think it's always us? It could very well have been Percy!" Fred retorted. George glanced at Percy and burst out laughing. "It could have been Bill or Charlie too, Mum." Molly sighed loudly and shook her head at them while she began clearing dishes with her wand. After banishing the slug with a huff, she smiled sweetly at the girls. "Hermione, Ginny, have a seat next to Penelope; you girls can finish your meal in peace." The sweet smile vanished and was replaced by a mouth set in a stern line. "Boys, and I mean all of you, head out to the garden. It's been a long while since I had my garden de-gnomed, and you'll get it done quicker together." Percy smiled and opened his mouth as if he were going to excuse himself from working. After all, he was a married man. "You're included too, Percy. Penelope doesn't need you every second of the day. Don't worry; you will all have plenty of time to get cleaned up before we nip over to Diagon Alley." Ron was one of the first ones up and he headed toward the door. He walked over to his normal starting spot, grabbing blindly into the hole. He flung the gnome, silently cursing his brothers. He had been able to use magic legally for over a year now, and had never gotten the chance to properly "thank" his twin siblings for all the years of brotherly love he'd received. That would change later today in Diagon Alley. Oh yes, it would change. After a short laugh to himself, his thoughts went back to Harry. He could remember the first time Harry had come to his house and participated in a de-gnoming. If only that git were here now, he'd throw a gnome at him for leaving so abruptly -then hug him for coming back. ~*~ Harry watched the rain fall steadily outside the tiny window, hoping it would stop soon. For many days he had just lain in bed, wondering what had happened. Had it all been a dream? He remembered throwing some clothes into his old Hogwarts bag and grabbing his broom out of the shed. It had been night, and pleasantly warm. The last thing he could recall after that was hovering near a window, pressing his hand to the pane, and then flying off into the darkness. By now, though, he knew whose window it was, and where he was now. The only thing he didn't know was how he had got here. By broomstick, of course, but how had he known where to fly? He shrugged at his thoughts and rose from the table. "Wotcher Harry! You're up. Want some tea?" Tonks came out of the kitchen with red hair rather than her usual pink. She gave him a cheeky wink and a smile. He tried to smile back, but it wasn't easy. "Actually, Tonks, can we talk? There are some things that have been bothering me." Tonks' smile faded. "Right, Harry. We can talk. I bet I can guess your first question." He raised his eyebrows. "If you're wondering how you got all the way from Ottery St. Catchpole to Ilfracombe, then I'm right." His mouth fell open a bit and he sat back down. "Yeah, actually, I'm pretty sure I wasn't flying northwest when I left. Then again, everything I remember from that night is fuzzy." Tonks' smile returned, warm as ever. "I can't believe you've been here for almost a month and you're just now asking this. You weren't flying west. You were flying roughly north and just happened to crash in Kingsley's grandmum's garden. I heard him yelling at me over here through the fire at four in the morning, saying he couldn't deal with stupid wizards at the moment, and could I please take in this poor bloke? You nearly killed the old witch, according to him. Kingsley said he heard her screaming at him from the fire about a—" (here Tonks took on the voice of an old lady) "creature destroying her flowerbeds and runner beans." She and Harry laughed. "Even after he Apparated there and found out the creature was you, she was horribly upset and wanted to keep him there to pick up your mess and all sorts of rubbish because he's her grandson and she expects him to do such things. Kingsley was about to have kittens when he contacted me." She had to pause to catch her breath from laughing and Harry just shook his head. He couldn't believe he had crashed into a garden of all things. At least it wasn't something deadly, but from the story, Kingsley's grandmother did sound a bit dangerous. "I nipped over to her house to get you myself since you couldn't Floo or Apparate. So there I was, stuck with you, a broom, and a knapsack full of clothes. We had to go some of the way by Knight Bus, with that bloody Stan yammering the whole way! You were knocked out cold of course, and it was a ruddy hassle getting you here. But we did, Kingsley and me, and here you are, sitting at the Pitney, going to have tea with me." "I'm sorry I was such a burden, Tonks. Did I really frighten his grandmum that bad?" Tonks nodded furiously. "Oh, blimey. I left so I wouldn't be a burden to anyone. I was just so incredibly mixed up, it felt like I accomplished something, like I'd finally avenged my parents and Sirius, but I kept getting this horrible feeling and couldn't remember things from the day before. I felt like I was losing my mind. So I left. Look what happened…" he trailed off. "What did you say this place is called? I've heard you say it before but I never asked what it meant." "The Pitney; it means 'island of the stubborn one.' Dad claims he named it after Mum, because she used to refer to this place as our island. They moved here after they got married, since Mum wasn't welcome anywhere near the Blacks. Mum would always say she wasn't stubborn, just cautious." Tonks' eyes twinkled at the memory, and Harry had to laugh a bit. "I really am sorry for all the trouble. I just keep making bad decisions," he said quietly as he folded his arms on the table. Tonks just sighed and rubbed his elbow. She conjured two cups of tea and pushed one across the small table toward Harry. "You are not a burden. Frankly, I'm glad you crashed into that old witch's garden. I haven't had much company for the past few months—haven't actually been home long enough to entertain. I used to have small parties and have friends stay over. Now I've just got my kneazle, Wickam, but he's not even here half the time. He's a smidge too smart for his own good, that one. And we all make bad decisions, Harry. It's human nature. Now drink up, and keep talking. I might have some answers." She took a drink and poked Harry. He slowly picked up his head and took a sip of his tea, coming close to spitting it out. "What kind of tea is this, Tonks? Blimey," he croaked as he pulled out his wand and tried to improve the brew. He tasted it again and realized he wasn't much better at creating tea. She scowled, and they sat in silence for several minutes. "Tonks, I'm afraid I've made a huge mistake. I fulfilled that bloody prophecy, and now it's like my life is at a standstill. All that Ron, Hermione, and I have worked for is over. I don't even know how that spell—" Tonks cut in, "That spell was absolutely brilliant, Harry. Hermione did a bang-up job finding and deciphering it. And most importantly it worked." Harry fidgeted and swirled his tea. He had avoided talking about that event for so long, it held too much emotion. He didn't think he was ready to start talking about it now. "Tonks, I've got some more questions. I hope you don't mind helping me figure out some stuff." He kept his eyes from meeting hers. She sighed again, this time with more emphasis. "Right, Harry. You talk about what you want; I'll listen, and give answers when I know them. Sound okay?" He nodded a bit. "Just start whenever you feel comfortable. It's not like I have somewhere to be," she said with a little smile. When he didn't begin right off, she picked up her wand again and turned on the wireless so it could play softly. After listening to a few upbeat songs, Harry finally spoke up again. "I haven't been in touch with the Weasleys or anybody since I've been here, and that's been close to a month. I left Hedwig with Ron. Is there any way I can owl them? I'd prefer parchment to Floo; I'm not in the mood for direct conversation." Images from the last battle flashed before his eyes, Ron gaping at him from across the cavern, Ginny catching his eye as they both heard the rumble outside the Great Hall, and Hermione curled up in a corner of the cave, crying hard. He didn't want to know what they thought of him leaving so unexpectedly. "I can get an owl from Kingsley. Merlin knows he has three of the ruddy things flapping about his kitchen. It's small enough as it is without those huge wings in your face. I'll Floo him later. Is that okay?" "Yeah, thanks." Harry paused and looked out the window. The rain was lightening up a little bit. "Erm, Tonks? Does anybody know I'm here?" She swallowed her mouthful of tea then summoned a plate of biscuits before answering. "No, they don't. The first thing out of your mouth after you were conscious was 'Don't tell anyone where I am.' I never go back on my word, Harry. Therefore, no one knows where you're lying low." With a sigh of relief, he realized his stomach was subtly letting him know it needed to be filled. He looked suspiciously at the biscuits. "Merlin's beard, Harry, the biscuits won't kill you. I didn't make them. Honeydukes and, believe it or not, Madame Puddifoot's are life-savers for people like me. Eat them, I promise they're good." Harry was far from hesitant after he heard they were from Honeydukes, but Puddifoot's? "Madame Puddifoot's? Why would you go in there?" he questioned through a mouthful of cinnamon and sugar. "For your information, I was in there a few times while I was at Hogwarts. And she does serve excellent tea." With that comment, Tonks rose from the table and walked toward the windows. "It's stopped raining," she stated. Harry glanced out the window. It looked like perfect flying weather, and that would be a good excuse to avoid any conversations he wasn't ready for. "Want to go flying? Or will the Muggles see us?" "I'd love to go flying! But we don't have to fly around here in front of Muggles. Apparition with big objects like brooms is possible, remember? We could even go to Queerditch Marsh or wherever you like. I would suggest that wicked clearing behind the Burrow, but I know you don't want to go back there just yet." "Then let's go. I haven't been out of the Pitney for a few days. I'll go change, and I'll be right down," he said before stuffing a couple more biscuits into his mouth. Tonks smiled to herself, hoping that she could follow through with her plan. Maybe those special biscuits did come in handy every once in a while. She cast Finite Incantatem on them and popped one into her mouth with a smile. ~*~ |