Ginny Weasley and the Year of Healing

Back at it

Ginny woke restlessly, finding her bed empty. Harry must have left before he was discovered. She tossed in the bed a moment longer before flinging the covers off and getting up. Dressing hurriedly, she shoved books into her bag. Today she had Herbology, Ancient Runes and Astronomy. She made sure to stuff her invisibility cloak into her bag as well, never knowing when it might come in handy. The last thing she did was strap her wand to her.
Ginny paused in front of her door and took a long deep breath. "Today's going to be a good day." She hoped willing it into existence would be enough.
Stepping out into the hall, students were milling about. Some in various stages of dress and others rushing to get up the stairwell. Ginny didn't see anyone she walked to walk with so she swiftly made her way out of the common room. It was hard not to compare walking down the halls now to the memory she'd viewed last night. The stone walls were all repaired and looking as normal as they ever had, full of various paintings engaging in different activities. But the shadow of the battle tainted everything she looked at, feeling uneasy, Ginny picked up her pace. She was unnerved at the emptiness of the halls and wished she would have worn the cloak down the stairs.
Emerging on the first floor, Ginny quickly walked into the great hall where Harry, Hermione and Ron sat already. She walked over to join them, casting her eyes around the room as she went. The room was near bursting and in the few short moments it took her to reach her seat, she was sweating. It felt too crowded, too unpredictable. She sat unmoving at the table trying hard to push down the nausea that was churning through her.
"…ny. Ginny!"
Her head snapped up at the sound of her name. It was Harry of course, looking concerned.
"What is it?" She asked, intending to sound better than she did.
"Are you alright? I was calling your name for a while."
The room swam in front of her for a moment. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. She could feel Harry's hand on her leg under the table.
"I'm fine Harry, it was a rough night. I'm just tired."
Obviously not believing her but unwilling to sell her out to Ron and Hermione, he relented. Ginny managed to eat two pieces of toast before giving up and fleeing from the great hall. Once outside, she felt the tension leave her body as she headed towards the greenhouse for class. It had stopped raining sometime in the night but the ground was still soggy, causing her to sink slightly into the mud. She would take the mud over the great hall anyday though so it wasn't so bad.
When Ginny entered the greenhouse Neville was already there, tending a long slender vine.
"Hello, Neville. How's your morning been?" Her voice was wobbly but Neville ignored it if he noticed.
"I've been out here since five."
It seemed no one had gotten a good rest last night. Ginny was unable to respond as students began trickling in. Notably a certain slytherin she couldn't seem to avoid, Nott. Pretending she hadn't seen him, she took her seat and pulled her book out. She was least concerned about her grade in this class, Neville would help her if she began to fall behind. And he truly was an excellent teacher when it came to plants, he was endlessly patient.
It didn't take long for the greenhouse to fill up with the twenty gryffindor and slytherin students taking the class. There were a mix of students from her own grade as well as those from the grade above. Neville sat beside her as Professor Sprout entered and began addressing them.
"Alright, today we'll be starting with Asphodel. It's a flowering Lily used in many potions. Can anyone name a potion that uses it? Nott?"
"Asphodel is most widely used in Draught of the Living Death."
"Correct, five points to Slytherin."
Ginny itched to look at him but resisted when Sprout began issuing flowers around the room. The bloom was a beautiful white flower with brown lines running through the petals. The leaves were long and slender and several blooms shot off of the stem.
"Right now, today we're going to focus on the bloom. Most plants have different uses for different parts but especially for Asphodel which is known…"
Ginny's eyes wandered around the room admiring the different plants lining the green house. Some moved in odd fashions while others displayed striking colors. Class passed quickly for her as Neville already knew how to harvest every part of this plant and explained the basics of it to Ginny. They wouldn't begin actually removing anything until next week.
"Don't forget, never ever touch the bloom with your bare hands. The reaction is unpleasant to say the least but to say more, if you value your skin don't touch it."
A beautiful bloom that will kill you, lovely. Ginny thought as she began packing her things away to head off to Ancient Runes. Saying goodbye to Neville, she began the long trek to the sixth floor for her next class. The sun was beginning to peek through the thick clouds as she walked across campus.
Once inside the castle she had to push her way through the stream of students. She focused on moving as swiftly as she could to minimize her panic but resolved to come up with a better route for the future. Surely Harry knew some passages to help her out. And if not, well she would figure something out.
Once Ginny finally emerged from the crowd victorious she made her way down the hall towards Ancient Runes. Hermione was already seated once she arrived and she took a seat beside her.
"McGonagall wants to see you after class."
Ginny groaned. "Nice to see you too, 'mione. What could that woman want? It's the first bleeding day, surely I don't need reprimanding already."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Honestly Ginny don't be so dramatic. It's very Ron of you."
Ginny gasped, outraged. "You add to my schedule then insult me. Truly Hermione, take it easy on me will you?"
"And I know there was something up with Harry last night."
Now Ginny feigned ignorance, unsure if she was referring to their late night rendezvous or the prank they'd pulled.
"Why? What's wrong with Harry?" Concern was a good cover for sure but Hermione looked straight through her.
"Don't play pretend with me Ginny." Hermione's face was pinched. It was a rather sour expression.
"I'm not playing the petty drama games you and the other dimbo's play. Either tell me or let it go."
Hermione opened her mouth to respond but quickly snapped it shut. Choosing the latter option, Hermione began reading through their book. But Ginny knew she'd already read that section. Counting herself lucky, she began pulling her own materials out. They shared this class with Ravenclaw but Luna wasn't in it. Ginny tried not to be disappointed by this but she was anyway.
Since Ginny had been possessed in her first year, she hadn't exactly made a lot of friends. The next year she'd mostly been embarrassed, avoiding people and the questions that accompanied them. Ginny wanted to forget the chamber and the entire ordeal. So her second year had been just as lonely as the first. Her third year, Ginny started to come out of her shell more. She became acquaintances with pretty much everyone in her grade, going out of her way to interact but still never establishing a close bond. It was in her fourth year that things got exponentially better for Ginny, she played as the reserve seeker when Harry had been kicked off of the team. It had been exhilarating, the most alive she'd ever felt. That was the same year she'd become friends with Luna, Katie, Dean and Neville. Joining Dumbledoor's Army had done favors for Ginny as well. She was fairly good at combat but her confidence only grew as they practiced. Ginny's fifth year was like a dream, she played Chaser and Harry finally acknowledged her.
From there though things rapidly went downhill. The war had ruined everything and now she was building back from square one. It was laughably unfair that just as life had turned sweet for her, it was all ripped away. Now she couldn't begin to think about what she wanted. All her brain ever told her now was to escape, to get away from people. Sighing Ginny tuned into the lecture that had already begun on unidentifiable runes.
***
Ginny stood outside of the Headmistress's office staring at the gargoyle who was eyeing her suspiciously. She hadn't thought to ask Hermione for the password. She and the statue were currently engaging in a silent staring contest.
"She will see you now." The statue moved to allow Ginny up the stairs.
Ginny grumbled as she made her way up. Why were all of the objects here so difficult? When she reached the top of the stairs, the office door was open for her. McGonagall sat at her desk, scribbling away at something. Ginny noticed the sword of Gryffindor glinting in its case on the wall.
"Ginevra, have a seat."
Ginny turned her attention to the headmistress, giving her the same sour look Hermione had doled out earlier.
"I must insist, headmistress, that you call me Ginny. For my own sanity." She said, flopping down into a chair. It was a poor joke on McGonagall's part, as she only referred to her as such in an academic sense.
"How is your first day going so far?"
Ginny shrugged. "It's been fine I suppose."
McGonagall looked unconvinced and unamused.
"I called you here because I spoke to Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger regarding the mentoring program you suggested."
Ginny perked up at that, genuinely believing in the cause. And because McGonagall didn't mention Harry's party idea.
"I think it has a lot of merit, the younger students could use an older perspective."
Finally looking up from her writing, McGonagall agreed.
"Yes, that's why I want you to head the program."
Stunned, Ginny didn't reply.
"I'm sure you have been wondering about my decision to name you head girl."
Ginny nodded vigorously. "I have been confused about that, I admit."
"I chose you because of the overwhelming courage you showed during your last year here. I often feel I failed you all when it came to the effects felt here at Hogwarts."
Ginny wanted to interrupt her, to tell her she had done what she could at the time. But McGonagall held up a hand, asking her to wait.
"While my hands were tied, yours weren't. I've heard dozens of testimonies on your behalf. Beyond that I witnessed your unwavering selflessness in an incredibly trying time. I know you possess the determination, which makes you perfectly suitable for the position."
Ginny had a thousand retorts to refute what she was saying. The younger students had named several older students that had helped them out during that year. She certainly hadn't intended to be selfless either, she was surviving. And her determination wavered every day, every hour even.
"I want you to know that of the testimonies I heard, almost half were slytherin students. That matters, Ginny. During the most divisive time, you reached out to those in need. Regardless of their affiliations, you helped."
They were all children. That's what Ginny had thought every time she'd come across a scared, hurt slytherin.
"Thank you, Headmistress. Really, that's wonderful to hear. But I think you're putting too much faith in me, I already feel like I'm drowning and it's day one."
"I thought you said it was fine?" McGongall said, leaning back in her chair and peering at her.
Caught, Ginny raised her hands in surrender.
"It's not fine. Being in the castle… is difficult. For all of us obviously. I assume that's the reason you so drastically redid the dorms." Ginny sunk lower into her chair.
"Actually, all of the common rooms have been remodeled. It was a perfect opportunity for a fresh start for everyone."
Ginny sat back up at this knowledge.
"Just how much did you get out of Kingsley?"
McGonagall's eyes were twinkling but she made no comment.
"So, you will head the program. It won't be too hard as Theodore Nott will partner with you on it."
Now, Ginny was aghast.
"Why not Harry or Hermione?"
It had been their idea together after all.
"If we want to promote inter house collaboration, it needs to start from the top. Honestly, we just talked about reaching across houses to help."
Yes well, second year slytherins were different from the older ones.
"Alright, I'm being immature. But what exactly does this entail?"
McGonagall however rushed her off to lunch, telling Ginny she would inform her of the details later. Leaving the headmistress's office she threw her cloak on, ignoring the exclamation from the gargoyle as she did so. The trek down to the Great hall wasn't half as bad with the cloak on.
Ginny paused out of sight to pull the cloak off and stow it back in her bag before entering the Great Hall. She sat next to Neville and grabbed a sandwich. Across from her Harry asked, "How'd the meeting with McGonagall go?"
"It was fine Harry. I got stuck with heading the damn thing, so wonderful. With Nott too so really a double hitter there."
"He seemed cordial in class this morning." Neville piped in sounding more upbeat than he had previously.
He hadn't seemed particularly anything to Ginny.
"Don't worry Gin, you can always you know." Harry made a wand gesture, implying she just hex him.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Wrong, McGonagall didn't expressly forbid me from doing it. But she did imply it would make me immature and irresponsible."
"Since when has that ever stopped you?" Dean interjected, having tuned into their conversation.
"Oh come off it Dean. I'm a reformed woman."
"For sure, definitely."
"Anyway, Harry, where's Hermione and my oaf of a brother?"
Harry shrugged. "Dunno, I got here just before you did. Probably in the library."
"Ron missing lunch? Someone mark the date."
Ginny didn't stick around in the Great Hall for long. Even though she'd been late and the room had been winding down, there were still too many people. Instead she headed to the library to seek out Hermione, hoping to get help with her schedule. She had a free period before Astronomy and what better way to spend her first free period of the year?
Once Ginny arrived, she avoided eye contact with Ms. Pince, who had never liked her just on the basis that she was a Weasley. You have a couple of useless brothers and suddenly your existence is a crime. Hermione was sitting at her usual table in the corner but Ron wasn't with her like she expected.
"Hey, why weren't you at lunch?" Ginny whispered while sitting in the chair across from her.
Hermione didn't look up from her book. "I was Ginny, you were late."
That was fair. "Are you still annoyed with me or do you wanna hear what McGonagall said?"
Hermione sighed heavily but did put her book down to look at Ginny.
"I'm to head the thing with Nott. Something about promoting inter house cooperation. I assume that was your line?"
"McGonagall saw the reason in my line of thinking. I didn't think she would pair you with Nott, though I suppose it was the obvious choice. Did she give you any details? She wouldn't let anything slip, no matter how hard I pushed."
Ginny stifled a laugh at the mental image of Hermione and the headmistress going head to head in a battle of wits. It almost made Ginny wish she had been there to see it.
"No, she rushed me out the door as soon as I asked. She also wouldn't tell me how much she got out of the ministry. I mean don't you think the new common room is extravagant? She said they redid them all!"
"Shh!"
Both Ginny and Hermione turned to see Ms. Pince glaring at them over her glasses.
"Come on, let's go somewhere else. She'll never let you rest while I'm in here, old hag."
Ginny stood and waited while Hermione gathered her stuff. Together they headed out into the hall.
"I did think the common room was a bit much… but honestly I think we deserve it, Gin."
Hermione leaned in closer to whisper, "Think about it, whether we were on the front lines or at Hogwarts, they had us fighting most of the war. The Ministry is probably happy to get off with a few school improvements and tactical payouts to certain families. It was a catastrophic failure on their behalf."
Ginny hadn't really considered the money her family had received. It felt like a paltry compensation but a required one nonetheless. Reflecting now, she could see Hermione's logic. It was a shock more people hadn't called for a reconfiguration of the entire system.
"Kingsley is working to change things though, right?"
They had made their way to the first floor and out the main doors. It was starting to get a chill in the afternoon air.
"He is." Hermione agreed.
"But..?"
"Well, you saw him over the summer. He wanted Harry to join the force and reorganize the Aurors. While I'm not doubting Harry's dueling skills, I don't think he's exactly qualified to take over the entire department. Kingsley is scrambling. He's not the only one either, half of the ministry workers were laid off. Every department is working overtime to fill those positions."
They were nearly to the lake now but Ginny stopped to sit before they reached it.
"How exactly do you know all of this 'mione?"
Hermione smiled. "The results of the war have left me with a lot of promising job prospects within the ministry. To be honest a lot of them are trying to bribe me into joining their department."
Ginny burst out laughing. "That's brilliant! Have they started inviting you to Gala's yet?"
Hermione turned pink and Ginny had to force herself to stop giggling at the despondent look on her face.
"It's not funny, Ginny! It's so awkward to go and spend all night fact checking my own life. I've been scheming on how to get Harry to attend them with me."
That sent another round of giggles through Ginny because there was no way Harry would agree. Hermione groaned and massaged her head.
"Oh alright, when's the first one?"
"In two weeks." She admitted sheepishly.
"And when were you going to tell me? Honestly 'mione two weeks? Well I would give up on Harry personally, I doubt you could offer him anything to get him to go. Why not my horrible brother or have you finally wisened up?"
Hermione began anxiously running her fingers through her curls and Ginny wondered if this had anything to do with her brother's continued absence today.
"Ron and I have decided not to date. Not now anyway, it was a mutual agreement. But Ron, well he - "
"Is being a complete and utter ass about it anyway?"
Ginny guessed when Hermione paused for too long.
"That's one way to put it. We just agreed to give each other some space. We've spent a lot of time together, just the three of us. It'll be good for us to spread out."
Her tone told Ginny she was trying to convince herself of that.
"Why not try asking the snake?"
"Honestly Ginny." Hermione said scoffing.
"No, no. I'm serious, think about it. The Malfoy's are basically a laughing stock now. You, on the other hand, are the ministry 'Golden Girl'. You get a date that knows how to navigate society life and you help Malfoy get back in the good graces of the public eye."
It made perfectly good sense to Ginny and based on Hermione's lack of reply, she hadn't found an argument against it.
"Look, I've been meaning to ask you to help me with my schedule. I have so many of them, help me make a masterlist and I'll cozy up to Nott. Since I'm going to be spending an ungodly amount of time with him, I'll find you an in with Malfoy."
"I dunno Ginny, this could go horribly wrong."
"Or, it could go horribly right. If we can't get the snake to be your date in time, I'll go with you."
This was an enormous gamble on Ginny's side. She was worse about gatherings than Harry was right now. But it would be worth it if everything worked out right.
"Okay."
Ginny did a double take.
"But you have to tell Harry."
Now this was not a gamble but a guaranteed loss for Ginny. If the snake agreed, she had to tell Harry. If he didn't, Ginny would have to attend the gala.
"If I pull this off 'mione I want your first born named after me."
She stood and offered her hand to Hermione.
"If you pull this off, done." She said, taking Ginny's hand.