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Not From Others | ||||||
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Category: Post-HBP, Post-DH/AB Characters:Harry/Ginny, Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom Genres: Action/Adventure, Angst, Drama, General Warnings: Dark Fiction, Death, Extreme Language, Mild Sexual Situations, Negative Alcohol Use, Violence Story is Complete Rating: PG-13 Reviews: 348 Summary: She may not have been able to join Harry, Ron and Hermione, but Ginny refuses to go down without a fight. As war approaches, Ginny returns to Hogwarts to resurrect Dumbledore's Army and face the darkest year the wizarding world has ever seen. DH from Ginny's POV. Canon. Hitcount: Story Total: 108193; Chapter Total: 3327 Awards: View Trophy Room |
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Snape was not, as Ginny had been expecting, alone in his office, but glaring across his desk at Luna. Alecto Carrow was standing smugly behind him, twirling her wand like a baton between her grubby fingers. ‘Here she is,’ said Amycus slimily, tugging Ginny by the elbow into the room. Snape’s dark eyes flicked over to her, but he remained as still as a statue. ‘What’s going on?’ asked Ginny as she was forced into a chair next to Luna. ‘Hello,’ said Luna cheerfully. She had taken some knitting out, ignoring Snape’s irritated stare as the needles clacked. ‘I have been informed-’ ‘I was the one what was informed!’ interrupted Alecto. Snape breathed sharply out of his nose. ‘Apologies,’ he said briskly, still staring at Ginny and Luna. ‘Professor Carrow was informed that you invited Miss Lovegood into your dormitory last night.’ ‘By who?’ asked Ginny. ‘That is not your concern,’ replied Snape delicately. Amycus was sniggering behind her, and he went to join his sister. The Death Eaters looked down at them with greedy smiles, heads tilted like excited dogs. ‘I wasn’t aware that it was against the rules, Professor,’ said Luna, still nimbly moving her knitting needles. ‘Put that down,’ snarled Snape. She looked up at him with her great owl-like eyes. ‘Now,’ he warned. ‘All right,’ she said, placing the needles across her ball of wool. ‘But I don’t think Ginny or I have done anything wrong.’ He surveyed her coldly. ‘Professor Carrow suggests otherwise.’ ‘Yeh not a Gryffindor,’ cackled Alecto. ‘Yeh shouldn’t have been in there at all.’ ‘We want to know what yeh were up to,’ added her brother with an oddly sordid smile. ‘Both of yeh.’ ‘We’re just friends, we weren’t trying to be disruptive or break rules,’ said Ginny. ‘After the detention, Luna was too tired to go to the Ravenclaw tower so she came with me to Gryffindor.’ ‘There is a password for a reason,’ drawled Snape. ‘You are supposed to stay within your own houses. Miss Lovegood should have continued on to the Ravenclaw tower, despite her exhaustion.’ ‘Perhaps we were worried she would be caught breaking curfew,’ muttered Ginny. ‘Insolent brat!’ growled Amycus. ‘Did yeh hear that, Snape? What a bloody cheek on her…’ ‘I knew yeh should have let us do that detention,’ said Alecto, her mouth twisted in disgust. ‘That trip in the forest clearly taught them nothing. Give me half an hour with ‘em and they won’t be sneaking round in places they shouldn’t no more…’ ‘And I told you,’ said Snape through gritted teeth, ‘that sort of punishment only spurs Gryffindors on. They’re a house of complete fools that relish in matrydom and noble sacrifice. They respond far better to the removal of privileges. Which is why Miss Weasley is banned from Hogsmeade.’ ‘For what?’ demanded Ginny. ‘I’m still not aware that I’ve broken an explicit school rule.’ Amycus Carrow darted round the desk and gave her a sharp slap across the face. ‘You watch yeh mouth yeh little blood traitor bitch,’ he snarled. Ginny flinched; his breath was rotten. ‘Yeh treading on thin ice as it is.’ ‘As you can see from Miss Weasley’s distress,’ said Snape loudly. ‘The punishment is suitable. As for Miss Lovegood, I will take responsibility for her detention.’ ‘Oh,’ said Luna, her shoulders sinking with disappointment. ‘Can’t I be banned from Hogsmeade too?’ Snape raised an eyebrow. ‘Do you really believe that you are in a position to pick and choose your punishments, Miss Lovegood?’ ‘No, I don’t suppose so.’ ‘No. I shall see you this Monday after dinner, and each evening thereafter until I am satisfied you will not trespass in the castle again.’ ‘It’s not your castle,’ spat Ginny fiercely. ‘We all live here. We can go where we want just as much as you.’ ‘It has never been that way, Miss Weasley,’ said Snape, sounding amused. He held up a hand to stop Amycus, who had raised his fist and was snorting like an angry bull. ‘You have never been free to come and go as you please and there have always been places out of bounds to you. This golden age you yearn for has never existed, even under your beloved Dumbledore. Incidentally, from this Monday onwards there will be a crackdown on student groups and societies. They must all be authorized.’ Ginny was wise enough not to respond, but the threat was clear; he was aware of the D.A. ‘Let me ‘ave her, Severus,’ said Amycus, shaking with rage. ‘The gobby little shite, I’ll teach her some manners.’ ‘I’d really rather you didn’t,’ drawled Snape. ‘You tend to make quite a mess and I’m rather fond of this office. If you would please remain behind so we can further discuss disciplinary strategies. You two may both leave.’ He waved a hand carelessly towards Ginny and Luna, then turned in his chair towards Alecto, gesturing her closer to look at a roll of parchment on his desk. Ginny seized Luna and pulled her out of the office as quickly as she could. ‘Come on,’ she urged impatiently as Luna treaded carefully on the stone stairs. ‘Before Carrow gets his way and comes after us.’ ‘Who do you think told them?’ Luna asked. The realization hit Ginny like a punch in the stomach. She’d realized in the office, of course, that somebody had ratted on them, but it suddenly struck her that it had to have been a Gryffindor, maybe even one of her dorm mates, and she had been stupidly trusting of all of them. Hadn’t she foolishly held D.A meetings in full view of the entire house? Hadn’t she openly commanded them to keep spreading her false story about Harry? She had even loudly mentioned in the Common Room this morning that she was off to see her brothers? ‘We can’t trust anyone anymore,’ she said to Luna quietly. Luna’s face fell, and she grasped Ginny’s hand. ‘Of course we can,’ she said. ‘They might not have meant it, whoever it was. We have to keep the D.A going.’ ‘I’ll need to talk to Neville,’ Ginny replied heavily. ‘I suppose we’ll have to use the Room of Requirement again, and just keep it even more secret…’ ‘But we need to keep recruiting,’ Luna insisted. ‘We can’t let paranoia get to us, our numbers will dwindle and then we won’t be able to do anything. Betrayal is just a risk we’ll have to take.’ They spoke to Neville at dinner, awkwardly trying to shield Luna from the view of the high table. He listened to them with great concern, leaving his spaghetti to go cold as Ginny explained what had happened in the office in a low voice. ‘You’re really lucky by the sounds of it,’ he said slowly. ‘I mean, a Hogsmeade ban is quite mild…’ ‘No it’s not,’ said Ginny furiously, stabbing a fork at her food. ‘Not for me. He knows that. He probably knew somehow that I was meeting my brothers. He’s trying to cut us off from the rest of the world, he knows not knowing anything is eating me up inside, the sadistic, cruel, cowardly old…’ ‘We also need to find out who grassed you up,’ interrupted Neville. ‘Yes, well, it could be anyone, couldn’t it? Did you try out the Room of Requirement today?’ He nodded, and finally helped himself to a generous mouthful of spaghetti. The girls waited relatively patiently, though Ginny was drumming her fingers anxiously on the table. ‘Yeah, I reckon it’ll be all right, you know. I took Colin, Seamus and Lavender with me, and as long as you close the loopholes they can’t get in. You just have to be careful about how you phrase everything.’ ‘You’re sure?’ asked Luna. ‘Yeah, pretty sure. I mean, we were there for about three hours saying all sorts of stuff, I think we covered almost every conceivable scenario.’ ‘Let’s meet there tomorrow, then,’ said Ginny. ‘We can ask people directly if they said anything.’ ‘Is that wise?’ asked Luna. ‘We’ll be able to tell by their reaction,’ said Ginny venomously. ‘And then what?’ asked Neville, exchanging a glance with Luna. ‘Then… Then we’ll know who it was,’ she said lamely. There was a long pause. ‘Perhaps we should just practice the Patronus charm tomorrow night,’ said Neville lightly. ‘But we’ll keep an eye out in case anyone looks guilty.’ But nobody did look guilty that night. The Room of Requirement accommodated them in a vast circular hall, supplied with cushions and dueling books just as it had two years previously, and small groups of students began filtering through the door, eager to learn and chatting happily. They divided naturally into pairs and began practicing, though in the comfort of the room and surrounded by friends the spell was rather easier than it should have been. Ginny’s Patronus horse cantered around the room, fuelled by the memory of post-Quidditch celebrations and chased by Luna’s hare. ‘They’re nice, aren’t they?’ said Luna happily. ‘Sometimes at home I cast one just to keep me company, when the wireless is broken, you know.’ ‘The wireless? Shit, what time is it?’ ‘Nearly seven-’ Ginny seized a whistle and blew into it a little too hard, it’s piercing sound echoing off the wall. The students stopped and winced, turning to look at her with irritated glares. She had somehow never quite managed to gain their admiration like Harry had. ‘Sorry everyone, but I think we should all gather round…’ She spun around on the spot, looking a little frantically. Thankfully, the room provided, and a shabby yet sturdy looking wireless had appeared in a shadowy corner. ‘Gather round the wireless,’ she said confidently, trying to make it look like she’d planned this departure from the norm. ‘There’s a programme we should all be listening to.’ ‘The wireless?’ scoffed Zacharias. ‘We can listen to that any time. We’re trying to learn important stuff here.’ ‘Shut up,’ she said vaguely, crouching down to tune it. ‘Sirius…’ she muttered. ‘Sirius… Well everyone sit down! Sirius…’ She could remember him, that laughing, troubled man, marching through the corridors in a Christmas hat singing at the top of his voice… A crackling, distant voice became distinguishable from the static hum, and she hurriedly hushed everyone as she turned up the volume. Lee’s smooth, confident voice sounded through the room, jolting familiar memories of Quidditch. ‘…And welcome to Potterwatch, the show where we will be updating you on the famous Boy-Who-Lived and the fight against You-Know-Who…’ The room gasped and Ginny turned to see people’s faces light up in delight, many students shuffling forwards on their bums to get closer. ‘My name is River, and I am joined by Romulus, Royal and Rascal. We are all active in the underground movement to fight against the dark forces that are corrupting our society, and urge you to do the same. We will start with a brief summary of the latest news that you may not have seen reported. It is with great sadness that we report the murders of the Gardener family; Roger, Emily, and their eleven-year-old son Samuel. In addition, the reported disappearance of Gareth Monroe, a senior Healer at St Mungos, is extremely troubling to his family. Gareth, if you are out there, please get in contact. And now, a minutes silence for those who have perished.’ They sat quietly, listening to the faint crackle of the wireless. Ginny thought of that small boy, pulled off the train by his terrified mother, and felt as though she could throw up. ‘Thank you. Now, onto our features and in-depth analysis. Royal, why don’t you start us of? I believe you have information about the recent Ministry changes.’ ‘I do, River,’ came a deep voice. Ginny’s heart soared; she could imagine Kingsley’s easy smile as he spoke. ‘I am sure it comes to no shock to our listeners that the Ministry has been infiltrated by Death Eaters and You-Know-Who himself, and since July it has been under their control. I urge our listeners to recognize propaganda when they see it.’ ‘It’s the propaganda you’ve become increasingly concerned with?’ ‘It is. I am distressed that the political discourse churned out by the new government is being swallowed by ordinary witches and wizards, who may not fully comprehend the full extent of the systematic oppressions they are endorsing.’ ‘What’s oppressions?’ whispered a first year, but Neville shushed him, as Lee’s voice continued. ‘Much of this propaganda relates to Muggleborns, of course, the horrors that they are facing we will come on to shortly, but there is also a lot concerning Harry Potter.’ ‘Yes, that’s right, though I will hand over to Romulus for this one, as he knows Harry well…’ ‘Hi River,’ came Lupin’s voice, and Ginny could help but shout in delight. Many of the older students did the same, instantly recognizing the hoarse but kind voice of their old and favourite Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. ‘Romulus, how accurate is the propaganda about the Chosen One?’ Lupin chuckled. ‘Completely inaccurate. Accusations of murder, suggestions of cowardice, even claims of sordid affairs… Sounds just a tad desperate to me.’ ‘Certainly not the Harry you know.’ ‘Certainly not. The fact that such a high price has been placed on his head should make it clear to the public how desperate the Death Eaters and Ministry-’ ‘Which are one and the same now,’ interjected Kingsley. ‘Yes, quite, but it just shows how desperate they are to find them. I’m aware there are rumours flying all over the place that he’s been found, but as we can see the Ministry is so keen to demonise him that we can be sure that if he was found, we would all know very quickly.’ ‘They’d parade him around, is that what you’re saying?’ ‘Yes. This government has made it clear, I’m sure Royal will back me up on this, that they are fuelling their regime with vivid and striking propaganda, reinforcing fears and prejudices through what is essentially clever marketing. Portraying Harry as a public enemy succeeds in both lowering morale and forcing him into hiding. Our duty in fighting against this regime is to ensure that Harry is supported as he fights against You-Know-Who, by protecting him against the ridiculous slander thrown at him by the Ministry and major newspapers.’ Ginny looked around the room. All the students were listening very carefully, their expressions serious. Neville was nodding grimly, his brow furrowed in determination. ‘So what is he like? Beyond the fame.’ Lee asked. Ginny couldn’t help but smirk. Lee knew him; it seemed a little silly to go through this pantomime when they had so obviously rehearsed the show. But, it seemed to be working as the students looked enthralled. ‘Modest, inherently good with a natural inclination to help people, a dry, sarcastic sense of humour… Generally an ordinary, charming young man who’s been through an awful lot and has been thrown into the middle of a chaotic war through no fault of his own.’ ‘Not to mention fantastic on the Quidditch field, I’ve heard…’ Ginny couldn’t help but snort with laughter. Poor Lee, he couldn’t resist. Lupin laughed too. ‘Definitely. A very good Seeker.’ ‘And now,’ Lee continued with a flourish. ‘Our final feature with special guest Rascal! Rascal, you’re going to be giving us protection tips.’ ‘That’s right, wotcher River,’ said Tonks’s voice brightly. ‘I have a wealth of experience in defensive magic and I’m keen to impart my worldly wisdom to our listeners.’ Ginny grinned at Neville; this was perfect. Even Zacharias looked pleased. ‘So, Rascal; given recent rumours of Inferi sightings in the Norfolk broads, what should our listeners do if faced with the grisly creatures?’ ‘Well, ideally get away as fast as possible. But, if a swift escape is not possible, it’s important to remember that these dark creatures like cold, wet, dark places. The exact opposite? Fire! Light those nasty bastards on fire. Light ‘em up. Boom! They can make quite a satisfying whoosh noise.’ Students were giggling. Hannah Abbot was laughing in a shocked sort of way up at Neville, Seamus was rubbing his hands gleefully for Lavender’s amusement, and the Patel twins were sniggering with Romilda Vane. Only Tonks could talk about such horrifying creatures and make people laugh. ‘And with that, my dear listeners, I’m afraid our time is up. Tune in this Friday at seven for the next Potterwatch episode. The password will be Emmeline.’ ‘That was wonderful,’ gushed Lavender. There were noises of agreement, and some second-year students began clapping enthusiastically. ‘We should listen to it every meeting,’ said Demelza. ‘End every meeting with it, so we know what’s going on.’ They all agreed that this was a superb idea, and began to leave the Room in small but happy groups, whispering their thoughts on the latest news as they went. Ginny hugged her goodbye to Luna, feeling her rebellious spirit return. ‘We’ll start our next round of mischief making soon,’ she assured her. ‘Ooh, good,’ Luna replied. ‘The next issue of The Quibbler will be out soon too. I’ll see you in Potions tomorrow.’ As she lay in her four-poster bed that night, Ginny had no fear of whoever had betrayed her, or the threat of the Carrows, or even how Snape had confined her to the castle. Harry wandered in and out of her thoughts, his green eyes burning, the feel of his hands sweeping back her hair. She knew he was out there, she could imagine him in some remote corner of the country, perhaps sitting by a fire under a dazzling sky with Ron and Hermione, plotting their next move. Her brothers had been right; the wireless programme had helped her believe in him again, helped her abandon her hopeless feelings of abandonment and encouraged her to fight against the regime in a new way. She felt ablaze with determination, and excitement kept her awake well into the night, staring out of the window at innumerable stars. |
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