Ginny

Hogwarts

The days since the attack had come and gone in a slow-moving fashion. Mrs. Weasley had busied herself with housework and had refrained from speaking about the attack. Every night the family would gather around the radio in hopes of not hearing Ron, Hermione or Harry's names. The death toll was rising but little discussion had been made about Ginny's return to Hogwarts. It had already been spread that Ron was sick in bed with a contagious disease and Ginny had figured it would be believable if she too fell ill. Fred and George had already stuffed her cloak full of puking pestles in an attempt to get her sent home early.

The night before Ginny was set to leave the family was gathered around the radio. No one spoke as names were listed off.

"Walter Bathshaw" 

"Ryan Cummingham" 

The names were relayed in no particular order so there was no time to relax. 

"Argus Flexbra"

"Ronald" Everyone in the family took a breath and Mr. Weasley let out a staggered cry. 

"Burkashaw" 

The voice finished as Ginny released her tight grip on Bill's hand. A deep breath was let out of the room as the radio shut off. He was safe, for one more night he was safe. No one moved, this was the closest they had ever been to believing Ron was dead.

The next morning the whole family wished Ginny well as she set off for platform 9 3/4. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley both accompanied Ginny to the station. It was now mandatory for all British witches and wizards to attend Hogwarts so the platform was more crowded than usual. As Ginny waited to board the train she noticed some of the usual muggle-born students were not in attendance. The platform was unusually full of ministry workers though. Most years ministry workers could not afford to take off work but this year it had been mandated that all workers arrive with their children to confirm they were direct descendants of magical blood.All the Weasley's had quickly been confirmed for magical status given Mr. Weasley's job at the ministry. 

Ginny was then wrapped in a quick hug by her mother who whispered, "Fred and George told me, take them within the first 24 hours. Please be safe we will see you soon." 

Ginny nodded as her mother pushed her onto the train. Smiling and waving she wished Ginny a great school year as if she had no clue she would be puking up her guts shortly. Ginny waved back but did not turn around. She knew very well this could be the last time she ever saw her parents.Withering in self sorrow she took a seat in a rather small car with Neville and Luna. 

Neville seeming shocked stood up immediately, "You're here... I didn't think." He was stumbling over his words as if Ginny had just interrupted something rather important.

"Well it's mandatory, isn't it? Not much way around it, and with dad's job at the ministry and all." Ginny said taking a seat on the plush velvet.

"What about Ron?" Luna asked matter of factually. 

"He's home sick, really contagious too. Forget what it's called but you don't want to go near him." 

Luna and Neville didn't argue but Ginny was sure they saw right threw her lie. 

The train bumped along and the trio talked of irrelevant things such as Neville's exam scores from the previous year. It was obvious there were deeper and darker things the group wished to discuss but this did not seem like the place. As Hogwarts came into view Neville shut the car door tight and looked directly at Ginny. 

"You can't stay, they are going to target us. Reckon you will be first, you need to get out of here. Need to leave after the sorting ceremony, let them see you're here and then get out. Luna and I have got to stay organize some sort of resistance." His voice was barely over a whisper now, his eyes were scanning the rest of the train for eves droppers.