Ginny's Sixth Year

Chapter 34

We arrived in the field just outside the Burrow. "C'mon, Ginny. We're so close!" Fred said as I crumpled onto the ground, my head in my hands.

"I can't make it! Every time I Apperate my foot..." I cried. George and Charlie watched quietly as Fred picked me up and carried me to the house.

Fred set me down when I thought I would be okay, right before we went inside. I pushed open the door.

"Where have you been?!?" Mum screamed. She looked us up and down as we all glanced nervously at each other. "And can somebody please explain why you are all wearing Bill's sweaters?"

We all looked down at our too-big sweaters. "We, uh, got cold," Charlie said. 

"Yes, but how did you get them?"

"Well, we...uh...you see..."

"Your father will be home in about five minutes! Imagine if he had come home and the four of you were missing! In times like these, it's easiest to assume the worst! Oh, if only we knew where Ron was!" The twins shared knowing glances and then looked at me as if to say 'I told you so.' Apparently Bill hadn't told Mum about his guest. "Ginny, dear, how wonderful to see you again! I've missed you!" Mum attempted to pull me into a bone-crushing hug, but I pushed her away.

"Broken ribs," I said.

"Oh yes, de—WHAT?"

"Oh, now you've done it," Dad said as he came in. "What did you say?"

"Dad!" I shouted excitedly.

"I know you didn't say 'Dad.'"

"Oh, I told Mum that I have a couple broken ribs and for some reason—"

"Broken ribs?" Dad asked frantically.

I nodded.

"Arthur, dear, we were just saying how nice it is for Charlie to be with us this Christmas!" Mum lied.

"We were?" Charlie asked, confused. "Because, I don't know, it sort of seemed like you were yelling at us for going to Bill—oops," Charlie cupped his hand over his mouth. Fred and George glared at him.

"Ah ha! So you did go to Bill's! Anyway, all that aside, I'm glad you're home, Ginny. Let's have a spot of supper."