Harry Potter: An Alternate Universe

Enough Nerve pt. 2

A week had gone by, and imagining your winter break at Ginny's house was what got you through the treacherous week. You had written a letter to your father by your owl, Woolf, to let him know about your invitation. Essay after essay, test after test, you couldn't wait to have some time off. You rode the magically-drawn carriage with Hermione, Ron, Harry, Neville, Ginny, and a quirky Ravenclaw named Luna Lovegood. You had all been in the DA together, so you weren't complete strangers. Ron and Harry got a space together, which Hermione nearly joined until she saw Lavender blowing a kiss through the glass towards Ron. So she sat with you, Ginny, Luna, and Neville.

Luna read The Quibbler, Hermione read Advanced Potion Making by Libatius Borgage, Neville slept, and you and Ginny talked about nearly everything; from Quidditch, to DATDA, to her bat-bogey hex, and all about each other's families. Talking about her brother Charlie sparked your curiosity.

"I've always wanted to be a dragon trainer, since I was little," you tell her. Your father, who's a nurse at St. Mungo has warned you against it, scaring you with all of the possible injuries you could receive. But the thrill and danger really attracted you to the career choice. Ginny seemed 100% behind you. When she talked about her dream to be a Quidditch player, you knew exactly what to get her for Christmas.

You've finally arrived at Kings Cross, and all of you were eager to get some fresh air. You met Mr. and Mrs. Weasley at the station, who were both as kind and warm as you had hoped. You took an enchanted flying Muggle car to the house, which managed to fit Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, you, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and all of your luggage as well.

You help the others carry your baggage inside, seeing a little sign out front that read The Burrow. The inside was like any cozy cottage you might have picked out looking through a Muggle magazine; everything was spotless and prettily decorated with Christmas lights and trinkets.

Ginny invites you up to her room to make some Christmas decorations, while the other three work downstairs on peeling sprouts. You met Fred and George on the way up the stairs, and were eager to share how you'd bought a pair of Extendable Ears from them over the summer.

"Maybe next time, we'll give you a discount," said George.

"Yeah, that is you treat out sister right," called Fred as the two left from view of the staircase.

"'Treat our sister right'," Ginny repeated with a look of confusion. "What weirdos. Sorry about that, (y/n).

"Not to worry," you laugh, trying to sound unfazed. You reached the third landing, and Ginny opens the door. You look around, and admire all of the posters covering her walls, most of them being Quidditch stars you vaguely recognize.

"Sorry, it's a bit small," she sighs, pushing her luggage by the foot of her bed. You move yours opposite to her closet door, which she rummages inside for a stack of paper, scissors, and glue.

"Looks bigger than my room, honestly," you reply.

"Thank goodness your here, otherwise I'll be bunking with Fleur," she said her name with pure disgust.

"Fleur Delaclour, like from the Triwizard tournament?"

"That's her. She's engaged to my brother, Bill." Ginny hands you a few sheets of paper, and starts cutting strips and gluing them into ringlets to make garland. You make paper snowflakes, by folding the paper in half and cutting intricate designs into them. You wanted to know more about Dean, but felt awkward pressing the subject, especially since Ginny seemed to like your company at the moment. Luckily for you, you didn't have to be the one to bring up the subject.

"I'm thinking of breaking up with him when we get back to school."

"What? Why?"

"He's been getting on my nerves lately. Even when we were saying goodbye, he kept nagging me to write to him. Our relationship has become somewhat of a chore."