Eye Of The Storm

15. Natural Disaster

1997-1998: Natural Disaster

a natural event such as a flood, earthquake, or hurricane that causes great damage or loss of life

Ollie hid away in the shrieking shack as the school year began. Watching from the entrance of the Whomping Willow, hand pressed to the wrangled bark as carriages climb the hills towards the castle. She watched as Snape led them all into the castle, cape billowing behind him as the students shake in fear.

There were less-all muggleborn students having vanished. A note having been found in each of their mailboxes the night before the start of school. A handwriting they didn't recognize, but with the state of the Prophet they listened.

Ollie watches, and she waits.

As her skin tingles with anticipation and her heart yearns for George, but she can't-not yet.

She hears of the Ministry Infiltration after sneaking into the kitchens late one night. The elves tell her in whispers, nodding to her requests and promises to keep her secrets.

The students are baffled to rise the next morning and find chocolates on their pillows, but they don't speak about it. Not yet.

Ginny holds hers gently, recognizing the brand as the one Remus likes but doesn't breathe a word, rather tucks it away.

Ollie spends the entirety of September hidden away, simply watching. Waiting for anything to happen-and it pays off.

As she finds Ginny, Luna and Neville picking through the forbidden forest. Hagrid is a short distance away, Fang on a leash beside him. She approaches the trio, but presses a finger to her lips and beckons them into the shadows.

"Ollie-" Ginny starts, reaching for her but Ollie shushes her and pushes a bag full of coins at her.

"I need you to give these to everyone in your group." Ollie whispers, closing her hands over Ginny's. A gentle breeze picks up, and Fang tilts his snout up to the sky in curiosity.

"What are they for?" Neville whispers, accepting the one that Ginny presses into palm.

"Same as Hermione's, press them and I'll know." She nodded, then fell away into the shadows just as Fang barked.

Hagrid turned at once, hurrying towards where he could catch just a glimpse of Luna's shining hair. Ginny turns, slipping the coins into the pocket of her robe just as Hagrid approaches.

"Alright there?" Hagrid barks lowly, scanning the area behind her. "Don't go wandering-isn't safe." He grumbled, then lead them away.

Ollie leaves Hogwart's for a long weekend, starting up towards the Burrow just as Ron appears in the yard. He turns, heaving into the grass before falling to his hands and knees.

"It's alright, Ron." Ollie speaks, and he turns wildly. Eyes rimmed red, hands shaking and draws his wand.

"What-who-you!" He roars suddenly, stomping forward but Ollie ducks. Swerving out of it, before grabbing his hand and yanking him into the forest line before anyone can glance out the window and see them.

"It's okay you left." Ollie stresses, and Ron deflates with a wrecked sob.

"It's so hard." He strains, knees hitting the wet grass.

"I know." Ollie bends down, producing a wrapped bread roll from her robes and presses it into his palm. He closes his hands around it, a whimpered sob leaving his lips and Ollie disappears into the trees.