Harry Potter and the Wrath of the Fallen

Chapter 20: The Station

The atmosphere was crackling with fear and panic as the scattering crowd finally started to clear a path for Harry as he charged towards the Death Eaters.

Harry's legs felt like jelly, and it felt like he was barely moving as the Death Eaters finally came into view. Harry felt a jolt of anguish pass through him as he saw that the first carriage, the Prefect's carriage, had huge holes blasted clean through the sides of it and smoke billowing from both ends. Harry's mind screamed at him as images of Ron and Hermione flashed before his eyes.

                                                               *

 

Ginny turned and faced the little students before her. "Okay kids, I want you all to head towards the Station Master's office," said Ginny, pointing at the doorway twenty yards away at the far corner of the platform. "Get inside and stay there until I come and get you. Do you understand?"

The five children all nodded as their eyes widened with fear at the sound of each explosion coming from the other end of the platform. They turned and began running for the door across the platform.

Once the kids were on their way, Ginny spun back to the carriage door to start getting the other students off the train. As she looked into the dark carriage doorway, she thought she could make out a tall figure holding a wand. A moment too late she realised who it was.

"Incarcerous."

Ropes flew from the end of Pansy Parkinson's wand; binding Ginny with such pressure she felt the breath leave her body. She felt her wand leave her hand as her arms were snapped to the sides of her body. As the ropes also bound her legs she toppled backwards onto the ground.

Pansy stepped from the dark interior of the train and out onto the platform. She turned and glared at her companions from the train.

"You keep the rest of the brats on the train. I'll take care of the blood traitor."

Pansy turned back to face Ginny, a vicious smile spreading across her face. She knew she wouldn't have long, and she suspected her accomplices on the train would crumble like the weak willed pawns they were. All thoughts of Azkaban were pushed from her mind, only the thirst for revenge remaining.

Finally an opportunity had presented itself, and she had been too angry after her earlier confrontation with Ginny Weasley to let it go. She had seen Harry Potter through the windows of the carriage, running off to take part in the fight, but Weasley had not followed. A mistake had been made, and she couldn't resist.

"Where's your great saviour now, Weasley?" taunted Pansy, as she began to pant with excitement.

Ginny's eyes widened in terror, and she knew what was going to happen before Pansy had even raised her wand. She tried to curl into a ball, but the ropes were holding her rigid as she saw the look of triumph in Pansy's eyes. The wand came up slowly, and Ginny squeezed her eyes shut.

"CRUCIO..."

                                                               *

 

Harry darted behind a brick pillar while he tried to calm himself down and come up with a plan of action. He peered around the edge of the pillar and could see that four men were attacking the train. Harry let his eyes sweep across the platform, and he registered the bodies which lay on the cold hard brickwork of the platform. He felt the bile rising in his throat as he saw that a number of the prone figures were wearing Hogwarts robes. He bit back on his horror and drew a deep breath.

Despite only being able to see four attackers, Harry decided he couldn't wait any longer to discover if any more attackers may be laying in wait out of sight. As he stepped around the pillar to face the attackers he felt a surge of relief as he saw jets of light fire out towards the attackers from the wrecked first carriage. People were still alive inside, and now they were starting to fight back.

Harry raised his wand and fired his first spell in anger since the Battle of Hogwarts. The stunning spell produced a jet of red light which slammed into the rib cage of the nearest attacker, sending the figure sprawling into the black robed man beside him. The second man spun to face the threat and Harry found himself face to face with a Death Eater.

                                                               *

 

As the doors to the train had opened and the first few students disembarked, Goyle had raised his wand and taken aim in the direction of the first carriages' rear door. He felt the atmosphere suddenly become tense as a bystander screamed as she realised what she was seeing.

All doubt was erased from Goyle's mind at that moment. He fired a Reducto curse at the carriage door, feeling nothing as he saw the bodies crumple and the doorway disintegrate. Movement in the windows next to the doorway drew his attention, so he aimed and fired an obliteration curse at the side of the carriage. A huge plume of smoke, filled with angry sparks, rose from the carriage, and the screams of the injured filled his ears.

Goyle glanced around, wondering why he not been struck down by this point. He was astonished when he saw that the people who had been waiting on the platform were scattering rather than fighting. He didn't notice the lone figure running towards him and his companions, wand drawn and eyes glowing brightly.

He turned his attention back to the train as he heard Crabbe using a Sectumsempra spell on somebody nearby. He felt a grin reach his lips as he started to fire more spells towards the now smoking ruin of the first carriage, hoping that Harry Potter had been inside with the Prefects.

A sudden barrage of return fire from the wrecked carriage caused Goyle to duck involuntarily. As he stood back up he felt a large mass falling onto his leg. He looked down and saw it was the unconscious body of one of his companions.

Goyle raised his head and found himself looking directly at Harry Potter, whose eerie glowing eyes distracted him for a moment. He pulled himself together and fired a stunning spell at Potter. He began running as he saw Potter block the spell and send it back in his direction. Goyle felt the splinters of masonry tearing at his robes as he ducked behind a pillar near the barrier. He guessed Potter had fired a spell at him which he had been lucky to avoid.

                                                               *

 

Harry blocked the incoming spell with ease, before bringing his wand to bear against the now fleeing figure in black robes. Harry put all his energy into a stunning spell that he fired at the running man. He saw the brick work of the pillar the figure had ducked behind explode in a shower of dust and debris.

A scream brought Harry's attention back to the two other men attacking the train. He felt rage course through his veins as he fired a spell at one of the attackers. In his haste and anger, Harry missed with the spell, succeeding only in drawing the attention of the two attackers.

One black clad figure started firing random spells towards Harry, who blocked as he made his way back behind the relative safety of a brick pillar. As Harry spun back behind cover, he saw Seamus and Lavender running directly towards him. Harry breathed out as he started to make a plan to finish this.

                                                               *

 

The pain ripped through Ginny's body, her nerve endings on fire as she writhed in agony. All sense of time had stopped and her vision was blurring. Between waves of agony she wished for unconsciousness to claim her, but the acute pain was keeping her mind focussed on its own suffering.

Pansy Parkinson stood above her, her face a mask of contorted rage as she put all of her effort into prolonging the torture for as long as she could. Pansy was unaware of the approaching threat as she twisted her wand in her hand, as if trying to drive the pain deeper into Ginny.

"Expelliarmus."

Pansy felt her wand leave her hand. She looked up and snarled as she found the source of the threat against her.

Suddenly, Pansy began to laugh.

                                                               *

 

Seamus and Lavender quickly reached Harry behind the pillar. They both stooped over as they drew deep breaths, following their dash up the platform. After a moment they started readying themselves for their next move.

"Lavender," said Harry hoarsely, "can you apparate into the carriage and throw up the strongest shield you can produce?"

Lavender nodded curtly. "Just give me the signal."

Harry turned to Seamus. "We're going to end this. We have two in the open and one behind the pillar towards the back of the platform near the barrier. I don't know if that one's been hit or not, so let's assume he's still up at this stage."

Seamus nodded his understanding. "How do you want to do this?"

Harry thought for a moment. He peeked around the edge of the pillar and saw that one of the Death Eaters had taken his mask off. The unmasked Death Eater fired a spell at Harry, just as Harry ducked back behind cover. Harry shook his head for second. There was something familiar about the unmasked attacker but he couldn't put a name to the face at the moment.

"I'll go first," said Harry. "I'll fire the strongest stunning spell I can at the masked attacker. That should distract them for at least a second. You then apparate behind the unmasked one and put him down. I don't care what spell you use to do it," said Harry, his voice tight as he tried to control his desire for revenge against those who would attack children. "I cover you in case the one behind the pillar tries anything."

Seamus nodded again. "On your signal."

Lavender stood back from the pillar and prepared to apparate. Seamus stood directly behind Harry and put a hand on his shoulder so Harry would know where he was until he apparated.

"Ready, Lavender," shouted Harry. "Go."

                                                               *

 

Goyle cowered behind the pillar near the barrier. His was desperate to get away now, but he suspected that he would be caught or killed if he dared to move out from behind the pillar. He cautiously peered around the edge of the pillar and saw that Crabbe had taken his mask off. He felt his stomach drop as he realised that Crabbe had no intention of escaping now. He retreated back behind the pillar and sunk to the ground as despair caught hold of him.

                                                               *

 

The sound of laughter and the sudden absence of pain allowed Ginny to open her eyes. She looked up to see Pansy, wandless and cackling madly. Ginny tried to lash out with a kick to Pansy's legs, but she found she was still tightly bound by ropes.

Ginny twisted her neck and looked back over her shoulder. She felt her blood run cold as she realised what had happened. Max had returned to try and help her, the other muggle born students standing behind him, and Ginny felt sudden terror for Max as he would be no match for Pansy.

Pansy took a step towards the person who had disarmed her. "You filthy mudblood, what are you going to do now?"

Pansy took another step forward. "You had better do something soon, or I'm going to kill you and your little friends as soon as I've finished with the blood traitor here."

Ginny could see Pansy leaning down towards the ground reaching for something. Ginny knew it could only be her wand. She craned her head back as far as it would go as she yelled at the little muggle students who had tried to come to her rescue.

"Run, kids... hide."

Ginny received a vicious kick to the side of her head for her trouble. Pansy shrieked in triumph as she stood back over the top of Ginny. As the blood started to run down her face, Ginny saw Pansy slash her wand through the air in the direction of the kids, and the pressure in her chest was overwhelming as she heard the screams of the children.

Ginny only had a moment to grieve for the kids before the excruciating agony consumed her again.

                                                               *

 

Lavender apparated with a 'pop'. A massive shield suddenly emanated from the wrecked carriage, grabbing the attention of the two attackers still visible on the platform.

Harry stepped out from behind his cover and aimed his wand at the two figures standing twenty feet away. He summoned all the strength he could and fired a stunning spell. The jet of red light flew across the platform, accompanied by a sound like the very air was being torn. The spell struck the masked attacker in the shoulder and neck, lifting the man off the ground and sending his body skidding across the platform until it came to rest against the barrier.

The unmasked attacker spun towards Harry and started to roar in anger as Seamus appeared behind him. The man crumpled into a heap as Seamus put his wand to the back of the man's head and fired a stunning spell.

Harry kept his wand up as he shifted his aim to the pillar near the barrier which he thought was shielding the last attacker.

"Come out now and we'll spare your life," called Harry harshly, as Seamus turned and fell into position beside him.

There was no response to Harry's words. Harry levelled his wand and fired a Reducto spell at the pillar. A large chunk of brickwork was blown away and Harry thought he heard a yelp come from behind the pillar.

Seamus took his cue from Harry. "Three seconds. Three...two...one."

Seamus also fired a Reducto spell into the pillar. This time Harry was positive he heard a scream as dust poured across the platform. Harry prepared to fire again, when movement caught his eye.

The black robed attacker was very shakily edging his way out from behind the pillar. Harry's eyes widened in alarm as he noticed the attacker was still holding a wand by his side.

"Drop it, or I'll drop you," yelled Harry.

The man gave no indication that he had even heard Harry as he continued his shaky shuffle out into the open. Seamus lost his patience first.

"Bugger this."

The man toppled backwards as Seamus' stunning spell struck him squarely in the chest. Seamus ran to the unconscious figure and scooped up the wand while Harry did the same for the three other prone figures. Harry looked up and saw Seamus give him a quick nod of the head before he headed to the carriage.

"Lavender," called Seamus, "lower your shield. The bad guys are down."

The large transparent shield dropped instantly and Lavender apparated back onto the platform with a 'pop'. Her face was grim as she spoke.

"We've got injured in the carriage... and dead," said Lavender, her bottom lip starting to tremble as her body started coming down from the adrenaline, only to be replaced with shock.

Harry nodded as he put his wand away and shook his head to try and stop the ringing in his ears. It took him a moment to realise he could still hear screaming coming from the other end of the platform. His mind reeled in horror as comprehension dawned. Ginny.

"Come with me," screamed Harry, as he began to run as fast as he could down the platform.

                                                               *

 

Ginny knew she was screaming, but it was completely involuntary by this point. Her mind could only focus on the pain, all others actions becoming secondary.

Pansy was oblivious to the sudden silence which now came from the other end of the platform, as she bent all her will towards inflicting pain on Ginny. She never saw the three figures charging towards her until it was far too late.

                                                               *

 

Harry's vision blurred with rage as he saw Pansy standing over the writhing body of Ginny, the screams so agonised, Harry already knew what was being done to his beautiful Ginny.

He didn't bother to stop running. He didn't even bother to draw his wand. Harry raised his hands and focussed all his energy into a single point. The sparks flew around his hands and his eyes burned brightly as he pushed a wave of energy directly into Pansy Parkinson.

Pansy was thrown thirty feet down the platform, her body landing with a sickening crunch on the ground.

Harry ignored Pansy as he slid to halt next to Ginny and dropped to his knees. He cradled Ginny's head as gently as he could, as he drew his wand and began cutting the ropes that still bound her. Harry felt tears well in his eyes as he heard Ginny whimper.

Seamus and Lavender made their way to the children lying on the platform and began checking the extent of their injuries. Seamus checked Max first and was horrified by the large wound which ran across the boy's chest. He pulled his sweater off and tried to hold it against the wound to stop the blood flow.

The sound of running footsteps drew Harry's attention. He looked back up the platform towards the barrier and saw Ron and Hermione coming towards him. Ron looked dazed and blood covered his right arm, while Hermione had a gash above her right eyebrow. Otherwise they seemed to be okay, and Harry felt a moment of relief sweep through him.

Hermione reached Harry and fell to her knees beside him. "Oh, Harry... what happened?" asked Hermione as a sob escaped her.

Harry finished cutting Ginny's ropes and pulled her up, cradling her against his chest.

"Death Eaters attacked the train," said Harry flatly. "Ginny stayed here to look after the kids because I asked her to, but Pansy Parkinson tortured her. It's my fault; I never should have left her."

 Harry glanced over his shoulder and saw Seamus and Lavender checking on the muggle born students.

"How are they?" asked Harry, his nerves causing his voice to shake as he spoke.

Seamus glanced at Harry. "They're alive, but Max and Mary look plenty beat up. We need to get some help down here."

Harry nodded, feeling his sense of helplessness lift as he found a purpose. "Right. Seamus, help the kids as best you can."

Seamus nodded and turned his attention back to the kids.

"Ron, we've got four Death Eaters up near the barrier. Go and secure them, then notify your father and Kingsley of what's happened. Have them send everyone they've got. I don't know if this is over yet or not."

Ron paled but he nodded at Harry. "Right, Harry." He turned and started moving back towards the head of the train.

"Hermione, go with Ron and start helping the injured as best you can. I know we can't do much right now, but let them know help's on the way."

Hermione didn't respond to Harry. She merely stood and began walking off after Ron.

"Lavender, find out where everybody is and why the hell we didn't have more help out there."

Lavender didn't move. Harry glared and he was about to snap at her when she spoke.

"Harry, the others are all on the other side of the platform. They evacuated the carriages as quickly as they could and formed a guard around the students."

Harry looked at Lavender with a stunned expression. Lavender continued.

"That's where Seamus and I came from. As soon as we knew the rest of the students were safe, we came to fight with you."

Harry suddenly felt very foolish. He had never even considered getting to the other side of the platform and using the train as cover. At least now he knew where all the people had gone. He also realised that if he sent Ginny and the kids to the other side as well, they would have been spared the ordeal they had suffered.

"Sorry, Lavender," said Harry weakly.

"It okay, Harry. What do you need me to do?"

"Go and tell the others to stay where they are until Ministry forces arrive to help us, just in case we didn't get all the Death Eaters yet. Then come back and help Seamus. I'll keep an eye on Pansy," said Harry darkly, casting a glance at the still prone figure of Pansy Parkinson.

Lavender made her way to the carriage door and disappeared inside. Harry saw a shaft of light appear from the other side of the platform before the door swung shut on the carriage. He looked down and examined Ginny. The cut on her face had already stopped bleeding, but it would need attention from the Healers. Harry bit back on his anger and concentrated on comforting Ginny.

Ginny began to tremble against Harry, and he pulled her tightly against himself. "It's okay, my Ginny, I've got you... I've got you."

Ginny's arm came up and wrapped around Harry's neck. Ginny buried her head into Harry's neck and let the sobs flow from her as the pain started to ease from her body.

Harry didn't know how long he sat there holding Ginny, until she looked up into his eyes. He could still see the terror etched on her face as she tried to speak.

"The...kids?"

Harry kissed her forehead. "They will be alright. Seamus and Lavender are looking after them now and help's on the way."

Ginny's body slumped as she heard the news.

"They tried to help me." She closed her eyes and began to cry again as the image of Pansy striking the children flashed in her mind.

Ron and Hermione returned several minutes later, they faces blank and drained as they reached Harry and Ginny.

"How bad?" asked Harry.

Ron swallowed before answering. "Four dead so far, including Alicia O'Riley."

Harry saw the anguish pass across Ron's face.

"The Ministry people are here now," continued Ron, "along with the Healers. There are some fairly serious injuries which look like they could go either way at the moment."

Harry hung his head. He spoke through gritted teeth as he pointed at Pansy Parkinson.

"Somebody secure that bitch."

Ron stepped over to Pansy and rolled her over.

"Ah, Harry, there's no point."

Harry's head snapped up as he glared at Ron.

"Why not?" Harry demanded.

Ron stood up slowly and faced Harry.

"She's dead."

                                                               *

 

Arthur Weasley stood and surveyed the scene before him. He felt his heart break as he saw the bodies still lying on the ground beside the Prefect's carriage. How did we let this happen?

Kingsley Shacklebolt stood beside Arthur, a sense of despair threatening to overcome him as he watched the Healers begin their grim work. Alicia O'Riley was dead, Gawain Robards was badly injured, three students lay dead, several other students along with a number of parents were injured, and Harry Potter was nowhere to be found.

                                                               *

 

Harry's mind spun. He looked down at Ginny to see that she was looking at him with wide eyes and horror on her face. Harry tried to stand, causing Ginny to slip back to the ground as she tried to hold onto Harry. As he reached his feet, Harry stepped over to Ron and pushed him roughly out of the way.

Harry knelt down beside Pansy and felt his breath catch in his throat as he saw her eyes were wide open, unblinking as they stared at nothing. Harry felt for a pulse at her neck, but couldn't find one. His actions became frantic as he searched for any sign of life.

As a hand touched his shoulder, Harry flinched. The hand began applying pressure as it started to drag Harry backwards away from Pansy's body. A second pair of hands began to lift Harry from under his arm.

Harry staggered to his feet, turning to find Ron and Seamus holding him steady. His eyes darted around at the faces that now looked at him. Hermione and Lavender were both covering their mouths, while Ginny's face was covered by her long hair as she hung her head. Harry almost physically recoiled when he saw the faces of Jack, Vicky, and Alex, all three ashen as they looked from Harry to the body and back again.

"Are you alright?" asked Ron, the concern evident on his face.

Harry barely heard the words as a wave of nausea passed through him. He began to stumble around the platform randomly, directionless and without purpose, as he rubbed his hands against his jeans compulsively, as if trying to remove any evidence of the horrible act he had committed.

Ginny stood up and made her way gingerly to Harry, feeling the pain in her joints as she took slow cautious steps. Behind the glow in Harry's eyes, she could see the haunted look, and she could sense he was about to break. Ginny inched closer to Harry and whispered to him.

"It's alright, my love. Stay with me."

Ginny watched Harry closely. His eyes were darting in all directions and he seemed to be searching for a way out. She would not let that happen again. All she had to do was get a hand on him and at least she would go with him if he ran. Ginny looked at her outstretched fingers, only inches from Harry now.

"Harry, listen to me," said Ginny softly. "Take my hand, Harry."

Harry glanced at Ginny's hand momentarily, before he took a step back from her. Ginny felt fear surge through her body. She ran the last two steps to Harry and locked her arms tightly around him.

Harry let out a gasp as his knees gave way and he sank to the ground, Ginny staying tightly wrapped around him as he fell. His breathing became ragged as he struggled to draw breath. He thought he might pass out at any second as his mind whirled, his thoughts flashing randomly in his head as he began to shake.

Ginny's presence was keeping him grounded and he tried to draw strength from her. He put his arms around her and let his tears flow, the trembling now uncontrollable.

"What have I done?" he whispered in anguish.

Ginny felt her own body shudder as a wave of pain flowed through her.

"You saved me," rasped Ginny.

                                                               *

 

Arthur's search was becoming desperate now. He had not been able to find any trace of Ginny, Harry, or Hermione, and Ron had disappeared the moment he had arrived. He and Kingsley were now searching the entire train looking for the four friends, hoping they were alright.

Finally, Arthur could make out the familiar shape of Ron standing at the end of the platform with several other people.

"Kingsley," called Arthur, "they're over here."

Kingsley stepped down from the train and joined Arthur as they hurried towards the group beside the last carriage. Fear spread through both men as they saw Harry and Ginny huddled together on the ground, while Seamus and Lavender were crouched beside the bodies of children lying on the platform.

"Ron, are you alright?" called Arthur as he made his way towards his son.

Ron looked up at his father and nodded slowly. He made his way towards Arthur and Kingsley, with Hermione and Seamus quickly following behind him.

"We're okay, Dad," said Ron quietly, as he briefly embraced his father.

Kingsley looked from Harry to the children, and finally to the body of Pansy Parkinson. "What happened here?"

Seamus answered before Ron had a chance. "The attack came from nowhere. Death Eaters attacked the Prefect's carriage as the train stopped. Harry, Lavender and I took out the four Death Eaters at the other end of the platform who were attacking the train. Then we heard screaming from here and came running back. Pansy was torturing Ginny, and the kids were all down injured, so Harry fired something at Pansy and knocked her over there," said Seamus, pointing at Pansy.

Arthur looked at Harry and Ginny. "What's wrong with Harry?" he asked, sensing something more going on here.

Seamus looked at the ground between his feet while Ron struggled to answer. Finally he forced the answer out.

"He killed Pansy."

Arthur felt the blood drain from his face. He turned to look at Kingsley, only to find Kingsley had already turned to look at him. Kingsley switched his gaze back to Seamus.

"Who witnessed this?" asked Kingsley sternly.

Seamus was taken aback for a second. "Uh... me and Lavender. Ginny probably saw something as well, along with the kids."

"Right." Kingsley spun around and put his wand to his throat. When he spoke again his voice echoed throughout the platform. "Magical Law Enforcement agents and available Healers to the far end of the platform urgently."

Kingsley turned back to Seamus and Ron. "I'm sorry about this, but I will need to gather statements from all of you before you can leave."

Seamus looked appalled. "But the kids are injured, and Ginny was tortured," he protested.

Arthur's face paled at Seamus' words, but Kingsley didn't seem to notice.

"The Healers will tend to the injured, Mr Finnigan, but I need to make sure you are all protected from the ramifications of this event. Do you understand?"

Seamus nodded slowly. "Yes, Minister."

Kingsley smiled kindly at Seamus. "Good man. You have done a great job here; now let my people do theirs." Kingsley turned to Arthur. "Arthur, go and look after your daughter."

Arthur made his way to Ginny and Harry. As he reached them he could see they were both in tears. He knelt down beside them and put a hand on their shoulders.

"Ginny, Harry, I'm here."

Ginny took one arm from around Harry's neck and pulled her father into a hug. "Oh, Dad," she sobbed.

Arthur held his daughter and Harry in silence, knowing there was nothing he could say to help them right now. That would come later. For now, he would await the Healers and officials, and try to think of how he was going to tell Molly about what had happened.

                                                               *

 

The group remained on the platform for several hours as statements were taken and injuries were patched up. Alex, Jack, and Vicky had suffered only minor injuries and were sent home with their parents after giving their statements. Max and Mary weren't so lucky, and had been transported to St Mungo's for further treatment, their distraught parents at their sides.

Harry refused all assistance from the Healers as he stood beside Ginny, deliberately keeping his back to the body of Pansy Parkinson. Every time he tried to think about what had happened he felt his chest constrict and his breathing became laboured. Eventually he gave up trying to sort out his thoughts, and instead he concentrated on Ginny as she sat on a stretcher while the Healers assessed her condition.

"Harry, could I have a word please?" asked Kingsley gently, as he stepped to Harry's side.

Harry nodded but didn't leave Ginny's side. Kingsley decided not to try and separate the pair for now. He knew they would resist any attempt to do so.

"I need to get a statement from you, Harry," said Kingsley.

Harry nodded vaguely as his shoulders sagged. He noticed a Ministry official had appeared beside Kingsley and was poised with parchment and quill at the ready. Harry spoke for several minutes about all he had seen and done, his voice rasping as his throat burned as he spoke of his attack on Pansy. Once he had finished, Kingsley asked Ginny if she felt up to giving a statement.

Ginny stood up from the stretcher and proceeded to relay all the details she could remember. Kingsley and Harry had shared a look of admiration for the kids as Ginny spoke of their attempt to rescue her, but their looks changed to horror as Ginny told them of Pansy's retaliation against the little students.

When she had finished talking, a thought occurred to Ginny. "Kingsley, would it help if I gave you my memories of what happened?"

Kingsley's eyes lit up as he considered Ginny's offer. If he could collect memories of the events now, there could be no allegation of tampering later on.

"That would be very helpful, Ginny," said Kingsley, smiling kindly at Ginny.

While an official was sent to retrieve some phials to collect memories in, Harry started to question Kingsley.

"How did this happen, Kingsley? I thought we were going to be protected."

Kingsley looked deeply ashamed. "It was an oversight on my part, Harry. I didn't think children would be targeted like this. I had two Aurors on the train and I thought that would be enough protection for everyone."

Harry suddenly thought of Alicia and Gawain. "How's Gawain?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kingsley shook his head. "He's alive, but badly injured. He and Alicia were in the Prefect's carriage when the attack started. Apparently Gawain was struck by the initial attack and didn't regain consciousness until after the fight was over."

Harry felt a wave of sympathy for Gawain. He suspected the man would also be blaming himself for the events that took place at the station today.

Kingsley continued. "Ron tells me that Alicia yelled a warning at him to get down, before the second attack struck her. She was severely injured by what looks like the Sectumsempra spell, and unfortunately she died as a result of those injuries before the fight had even finished."

Ginny sniffled as she felt tears well in her eyes. Harry's arm softly wrapped around her but she couldn't hold back her despair. Alicia had been an inspiration to Ginny; a young woman fighting with the Aurors, just like Tonks had done.

"Who were the attackers?" asked Harry, a hint of anger in his voice.

Kingsley grunted in disgust. "Vincent Crabbe Sr and Gregory Goyle Sr, along with two others who we have not yet identified."

"What will happen to them?"

"Azkaban for three of them. The fourth man, one of the unidentified attackers, will be treated at St Mungo's first, under heavy guard of course. His injuries were extensive and he may not make it yet."

Harry felt a knot in his stomach tighten as he listened to Kingsley. He could guess which one of the attackers was critically injured. After all, he had fired a full strength stunning spell into the man from close range. His abhorrence of the men who attacked children without remorse was tempered slightly by the horror he felt at the thought he may have killed one of them. He felt sick as he silently hoped the man survived. His conscience was already reeling from the day's events.

The sound of glass clinking behind them caught everybody's attention.

"Ah, thank you," said Kingsley as his assistant returned with the phials. "Harry, Ginny, if you're sure you want to do this, could you please place your memories of the attack in these phials."

As the evening wore on, Kingsley collected the memories of Seamus, Lavender, Ron, and Hermione. He hoped these would give him an accurate account of what had transpired today.

As the cold night air started to pull at Harry, he was relieved to see that Pansy's body was finally removed from the platform. Ginny had been given a clean bill of health, but she was being encouraged to stay in bed for a couple of days just to be on the safe side, as she would still feel pain for a while. Harry saw that Ron had his arm in a sling and reminded himself to ask Ron what had happened later, after they were back at the Burrow.

As he thought of the Burrow, Harry wondered where Molly was. Surely she must be getting worried by now, thought Harry. It was only then that he noticed that very few people were on the platform now. Harry thought they must have closed the barrier while the Ministry officials investigated.

Seamus and Lavender made their way to Harry and Ginny, saying goodbye before they departed. Harry embraced the pair, thanking them for all they had done today. Harry watched as they walked away arm in arm, and he hoped they would be okay.

Arthur approached and called Ron and Hermione over to join him with Harry and Ginny.

"It's time to go home. Hermione," said Arthur, looking at Hermione with concern, "I have informed your parents of what has happened here today. They have decided to postpone their holiday for a while so I have invited them to join us at the Burrow tonight. I hope that is alright?"

Hermione nodded as a tear rolled down her cheek.

"Thanks, Arthur," she mumbled.

"Okay," continued Arthur, "Ministry officials have created a cordon on the other side of the barrier, which is of course drawing unwanted attention from the muggles. Reporters are waiting on the other side so here is what we're going to do. The moment you get through the barrier I want you to apparate to the Burrow. I know it will be a public apparation, but the Ministry will take care of any muggle memories for us."

Arthur received a series of nods. He turned and led the four friends to the barrier. As he reached the barrier, Arthur turned and addressed Harry and Ginny.

"You two should go first. You'll have the element of surprise then."

Harry and Ginny nodded their understanding.

"Off you go then," said Arthur with a sad smile.

Harry took a deep breath, tightened his grip on Ginny's hand, and stepped through the barrier.

The noise was overwhelming as Harry and Ginny emerged onto platform 9. They were both blinded as the flashbulbs assaulted their eyes. Harry pulled Ginny close against him, and with a 'pop' they were gone.

                                                               *

 

Harry and Ginny reappeared in their now traditional spot inside the small stone shed on the path leading to the Burrow. Harry held onto Ginny as the dust swirled around them. He could feel his heart racing and he instantly knew he shouldn't have apparated to this place.

He released Ginny and stepped to the wooden door, throwing it open as he dashed outside. The cold night air forced his nausea back for a moment, but it couldn't stop the inevitable.

Harry vomited as Ginny stepped to him and placed a hand on his back as he leaned over. Ginny didn't say anything. She knew Harry would need a few minutes as the shock settled in fully. When Harry was finished he stood up straight and tried to draw deep breaths.

"I'm so sorry, Gin," he stammered, his body beginning to shake.

Ginny rubbed Harry's back as she frowned at him.

"Sorry for what?"

"I never should have left you. I promised you I wouldn't do that again."

Ginny felt her love for Harry surge. He was apologising for something he couldn't control. It was his nature to try and save everybody, not just her or himself. She had suffered today, and her breath still caught in her throat each time she thought about Pansy standing over her, but she already had closure of a sort. She wasn't upset about the fate of Pansy Parkinson; she was upset about how that fate would affect Harry.

"Oh, Harry, you did the right thing," said Ginny soothingly, "and you kept your word and came back to me."

Harry nodded, grateful that Ginny had so much strength. Even though she had suffered, she was still trying to help him deal with the fallout from today's events.

"We should head inside and see your mother," said Harry.

Ginny gave Harry a small smile as she took his hand and they made their way towards the Burrow, the soft lights glowing in the windows and the sound of a radio coming from inside. Just as they reached the front door, Ron's voice called out to them through the darkness.

Harry and Ginny turned around and saw Ron and Hermione making their way towards the Burrow from the property boundary, Arthur following a few steps behind. As the two little groups came together hugs were exchanged as the tension started to lift from them.

Arthur reached for the door, but his hand came to a halt before he grabbed the door handle. He stood motionless for a minute, as if contemplating something. He dropped his hand and turned to face Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione.

"Molly's got the radio on," he whispered. "She probably knows what happened by now and she may be rather high strung. Let me do the talking."

Arthur received four nods before he turned back and opened the door to the Burrow. He took a deep breath and stepped inside, the others following in his wake.

                                                               *

 

The first radio reports about the attack at King's Cross Station had not really registered with Molly as she flitted about the Burrow preparing for the return of her children for the holidays. She liked to listen to the music as she cleaned and cooked, but she never paid attention to the songs. It was just some background noise for her to work to.

The second so-called urgent news flash had caught her attention. She had dropped the tray of biscuits she had been preparing for Ron as fear gripped her heart. She didn't want to believe what she was hearing, and she fought the urge to scream at the radio for lying to her.

Molly had raced to her clock on the mantle. Once she saw the hands for Ginny and Ron were in the 'Travelling' position, she had felt her pulse slow and her panic subside. Molly didn't know it, but if she had looked at the clock half an hour earlier she would have seen Ron and Ginny's hands pointing at 'Mortal Peril'.

So Molly had sat beside the radio in her living room, twisting a dish cloth in her hands as she listened to the reports about the attack. As the first reports about deaths suffered by students came in, she had darted back to her clock just to double check on Ron and Ginny's status. To help keep herself from needless panic, she now had the clock sitting beside the radio in the living room.

As the hours passed, Molly's worry had steadily built. She had expected her children and Harry to have returned hours ago. Her attempts to contact Arthur had also been fruitless, as his secretary informed her that Arthur was at King's Cross Station along with most of the Magical Law Enforcement staff.

The sound of the front door opening drew her attention. She felt the tears well in her eyes as she saw Arthur stepping into the house, their children right behind him. She leapt to her feet and rushed into Arthur's arms.

"Oh, Arthur, thank goodness you're all alright."

Arthur patted his wife's back for a moment before she broke away and grabbed the first one of her children she could reach.

"Ginny, I'm so glad you're okay."

Ginny hugged her mother tightly, but found she was unable to show much enthusiasm for her mother's relief.

Molly's eyes widened in alarm as she saw the sling on Ron's arm, and the nasty red mark above Hermione's eyebrow.

 "Ron, what happened?" asked Molly breathlessly.

Before Ron could answer, Arthur took Molly by the arm and began steering her towards the kitchen.

"I'll explain everything, dear," said Arthur to Molly. He turned back and looked at the four slightly dazed teenagers still standing near the doorway. "Why don't you all head upstairs and get cleaned up. Hermione, I'll go and fetch your parents as soon as I've told Molly what's happening, okay?"

Hermione nodded. "Thanks, Arthur," she replied weakly.

Ron put his good arm around Hermione and led her up the stairs to their room. Harry took Ginny's hand and followed them up the stairs until he came to Ginny's room.

                                                               *

 

Molly and Arthur stood outside in the back yard as Arthur told Molly all he knew about the attack on the Hogwarts Express. Molly was appalled by what she heard, particularly when she realised how close Ron and Hermione had come to death. The news of Alicia O'Riley's death caused her great anguish as she knew Ron in particular had been working closely with the young Auror as he studied Transfiguration.

Molly burst into tears as Arthur told her about the ordeal Ginny had suffered. She had angrily vowed revenge against Pansy Parkinson until she learned of the girl's fate at Harry's hand. Her desire for revenge was instantly forgotten as she looked back towards the Burrow and wondered how her children were coping with what had happened.

Her mind raced. Ron and Hermione had narrowly escaped death, while Ginny had been tortured and Harry had killed a girl as he saved Ginny. Molly was now worried that they had all been far too calm when they entered the house.

She made her way back inside and began to make tea for everybody, despite nobody else being in the kitchen at the moment. Arthur kissed her goodbye and departed for the Grangers, telling Molly he would be back as soon as possible.

                                                               *

 

The hot water of the shower was soothing the ebbing pain in Ginny's joints as she sat under the gentle spray. As Harry sat behind her with his arms wrapped around her, she let her tears flow again, hidden by the water and the steam of the shower.

Ginny didn't cry for herself, and she certainly didn't cry for Pansy Parkinson. She cried for Max and Mary, hoping they would recover quickly, and she cried for Harry, knowing he was going to have trouble accepting that what he had done had been necessary.

Harry kissed the back of her neck, before he put his lips to her ear. "I love you, Ginny."

Ginny sighed. Maybe things wouldn't be that bad after all, she thought. "I love you too."

"Come on, your Mum will be waiting for us," said Harry, as he lifted his arms from around Ginny, "and if Arthur told her everything that happened today, she'll be going out of her mind until we get downstairs."

Ginny nodded in agreement but didn't move. "Stay with me for just one more minute," she whispered. "Please, Harry."

Harry wrapped his arms back around Ginny. "Anything you want, my Ginny."

                                                               *

 

When Harry and Ginny finally made it back downstairs, Hermione and Ron were already talking with Hermione's parents in the living room. Harry waved to the Grangers as he made his way from the bottom of the stairs towards the kitchen.

They found Molly bustling about the kitchen, three cups of what looked to be very cold tea sitting on the wooden table before them. Molly looked up and smiled as she saw them.

"Ah, sit down, dears. I've made some tea," said Molly, indicating towards the table. "Oh, it seems to have gone cold. Nothing to worry about."

Molly drew her wand and waved it over each cup of tea in turn. When she stepped back Harry could see steam rising from the cups. He smiled and took a seat. The tea was scalding but Harry didn't mind right now. The pain kept his mind busy, instead of dwelling on other issues.

As Ginny sat down next to Harry, Molly took the chair opposite them. Harry could feel Molly's eyes on him, and he felt very uncomfortable for a moment before Molly focussed her attention on Ginny.

"Ginny, are you alright?"

Ginny nodded slowly. "I guess so. I'm not sure how I feel at the moment. It still hurts some when I move."

Molly nodded her understanding; the pain would stay with Ginny for a few days yet, and the trauma of what her daughter had been put through may not become evident until Ginny had a chance to properly think about what had happened.

"How about you, Harry?"

Harry shrugged as he sipped his tea. "I feel okay now."

Molly was concerned that Harry might be trying to carry too much of the burden on his own again. She was still feeling her own grief for killing Bellatrix LeStrange during the battle at Hogwarts. For the death of Bellatrix she felt nothing; but for taking a life, even a life so twisted and evil, her conscience still tormented her when the night was darkest.

 She didn't know what to do without making Harry and Ginny feel worse. She thought the couple should talk about what had happened, but neither of them seemed interested in any sort of conversation right now. They seemed very relaxed at the moment, relieved at the very least, but she knew it wouldn't last.

"Would you like some dinner?" asked Molly.

"No thanks," answered Harry, as Ginny sat silently beside him looking down at the table.

Molly looked at her daughter, worry nagging at the back of her mind. "Ginny, dear, did you hear me?"

Ginny's head snapped up and she looked at her mother with a quizzical expression on her face. "Oh, sorry Mum," said Ginny vaguely. "What did you say?"

"I asked if you would like some dinner. It would be no trouble," said Molly, trying to keep her tone light.

Ginny merely shrugged her shoulders and started to rub her neck, wincing slightly at the stab of pain that ran down her spine.

"I'm not really hungry right now, Mum."

Molly had felt a surge of anger towards the girl who had hurt her daughter as she saw the pain in Ginny's face. Her anger was quickly replaced by a sense of helplessness as both Harry and Ginny now stared down at the table.

Molly leaned towards Harry and Ginny. "Kids, I want you to know that Arthur and I are here if you need anything, or just want to talk."

Harry and Ginny both nodded without any real conviction, leaving Molly frustrated as she tried to connect with the couple. She tried a different tact.

"Did you two have any plans for the holidays?"

Harry and Ginny looked at each other for a moment, startling Molly as sadness settled on their faces.

"I don't know, Mum," said Ginny weakly. "Harry and I were planning something, but I don't know if we'll go ahead with it anymore."

"What were you planning, dear?" asked Molly curiously.

Ginny shrugged her shoulders again. "It doesn't matter anymore."

Harry put his arm around Ginny. She lay her head against his shoulder and felt the tears well in her eyes. She used her sleeve to quickly dry her eyes and returned her gaze to the table top.

Molly was truly puzzled by this cryptic talk of plans. "If you were planning something, maybe you should still go ahead with it. You shouldn't let your lives stop because of what happened today."

Harry lifted his head and looked at Molly. He knew she was trying to help, but his heart just wasn't in it tonight. He hoped some sleep might help lift him out of the strange mood he currently found himself in. The thought of sleep appealed to Harry, but he also knew the nightmares would come for him eventually. He sighed heavily, wondering if he deserved the nightmares for what he had done.

"I think I'm going to head up to bed. I'm feeling very tired," said Harry.

"Okay, dear," said Molly, now rattled by the change in both Harry and Ginny's moods. "I know how you feel, Harry," she said desperately, "but I want you to remember one thing. You didn't make Pansy Parkinson do the horrible things she did, you're the one who stopped her."

"Thanks, Molly," mumbled Harry. "Goodnight."

Harry stood and kissed Ginny on top of her head, before making his way to the stairs. He heard Ginny making her excuses behind him, and she caught up to him on the stairs.

"You don't have to come with me, Gin," said Harry. "I'll be fine."

He looked at Ginny and he was suddenly worried that he had upset her somehow.

"But I want to stay with you," said Ginny, her voice cracking as she spoke.

Harry gave Ginny a sad little smile as he took her hand and led her up the stairs to their room.

                                                               *

 

The Burrow was very quiet as Arthur and Molly sat at their kitchen table, the hushed conversation they were having heavy with concern for their children.

Arthur looked thoughtful as he spoke. "The Grangers have decided to go ahead with their trip to Spain. They'll be leaving in the morning after breakfast."

Molly nodded. "I think that's a good idea. Hermione will be able to put today behind her quickly if she's not being reminded about it constantly."

Arthur regarded his wife for a second. "The Grangers have invited Ron to join them, but if he went it would mean he wouldn't return until Christmas night. I know you want everybody here for Christmas day, but it might be worth considering letting Ron go."

Molly smiled at Arthur. "Ron is a grown man now, Arthur. He can make his own decisions." Molly leaned back in her chair. "Besides, we should start getting used to sharing the kids with the families of their partners now."

Arthur grinned at Molly. "Why don't you give Ron the good news in the morning, dear? He'll be so excited. George and Percy will just have to find somebody else to work at the shop during the holidays."

Molly tapped her fingers on the table as she thought about the holidays. Harry and Ginny had been looking forward to returning to the Burrow for a break, but now they were dealing with the fallout from another attack against them, and they would be almost alone in the house. Molly wondered if they could use a distraction.

"How's Ginny really doing?" asked Molly. "She didn't seem to be herself tonight."

Arthur' shoulders sagged. "The Parkinson girl used the Cruciatus curse on her, but I don't think that is what really upset her."

"What do you think is bothering her?"

Arthur looked grave as he answered. "The little class that she and Harry teach tried to help her, but Pansy struck them down. Two of them are in St Mungo's receiving treatment. I think that has upset her far more than what she suffered."

Molly was aghast. "Oh, those brave little kids. Will they be alright?"

Arthur nodded. "The Healers think so, at least physically. But I imagine they are rather shaken up by the whole ordeal at the moment."

"I'll take Ginny and Harry to visit them tomorrow," said Molly. "That might help Ginny and the children feel better."

Arthur smiled at Molly. "I'm sure the children would appreciate it. Kingsley tells me they are very fond of Harry and Ginny."

Molly beamed at this news. "Well then, Mr Weasley, we had better get some sleep too. Tomorrow will be a big day."

Arthur sighed. "I know. My division is going to be leading the investigation into the attack. I imagine I'm in for some long days at work."

Molly patted her husband's hand sympathetically. "Don't let them work you too hard, dear."

As he stood from the table, Arthur pulled Molly to him and held her for a minute. "I love you, wife," he whispered in her ear.

Molly looked up at Arthur. "And I love you, Arthur. Let's go to bed."

Arthur and Molly moved throughout the house extinguishing lamps and making sure everybody was asleep. As Molly opened Ginny's bedroom door she smiled as she saw Ginny and Harry lying in bed together.

"Arthur, come and have a look at this," she whispered over her shoulder.

Arthur reached the door and stood beside Molly as they both looked at a very familiar scene. Harry and Ginny were holding each other in their arms, their foreheads resting together as they slept peacefully.

Arthur grunted and Molly sighed. Arthur pulled the door shut and headed to bed with Molly, both of them hoping that tomorrow would be a better day.