Ginny's Sixth Year

Chapter 22

Fred was still crying when we reached the door to Muggle Studies.

"Hey," I said, reaching up to dry his eyes. "It'll be okay. The pain stops eventually, and I'll be alright. So will George. We'll all be fine, Fred."

"I- I don't know what to say, Ginny," Fred stuttered in between gasps for air. "You– you're so much stronger than me. You and George both. And Ron. Don't you dare tell him I said that!" 

"Thank you so much for coming. I don't know if I would have been able to do that without you two. But please, for your safety, don't come back. I'll see you at Christmas."

"Bye, Ginny," George choked out. We hugged. I looked up at him and then back at Fred, who was leaning against the wall.

"It will be okay, won't it, George?" I whispered, hoping Fred didn't hear.

"I hope so, Ginny, I hope so." We held each other a moment more, neither of us wanting to be the first to let go. I wondered if I should tell him about my dream and what I planned to do about it. He was my brother. He would understand...wouldn't he?

"I should go," I told him,  glancing nervously at the door.

"I love you."

"I love you, too, George. I'll miss you." I slowly approached Fred. "I have to go," I said, taking all his weight. I knew he was in more pain than he let on. He was deathly pale; it was like looking in a reflection of my first detention. I remembered Fred's face when he was first hit with the curse. I thought about how, despite all his pain, he had made sure I was okay. I had told him it would be okay, just like he had to me on countless occasions. How many times had I done that? Not nearly enough.

I thought Fred would put up a fight, tell me he was fine, and want to go into class with me. Instead, he sighed and grasped me tighter. "Are you going to be alright?" he asked.

"I don't know."

Fred was silent for a moment. "It'll be okay, Ginny."

"Get some rest. Don't be a hero."

"Me, a hero? Why, whatever made you think that?" A thin, weak smile spread across Fred's face.

"You don't have to pretend, Fred. And anyway, you were never the best actor."

Fred's smile vanished. "Ginny, please..."

"I know. I love you."

"I love you too, sis. Don't do anything rash."

"Bye. See you both at Christmas!" I pushed open the door to Muggle Studies, both Fred and George craning their necks to see inside.